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Translator scam alert reports

From ProZ.com Wiki

Overview

This is a service provided by ProZ.com to help professional translators improve their risk management when facing scammers.
This page presents the translators scam alert reports sent to subscribers to the Translators scam-prevention center: http://www.proz.com/about/translator-scam-alerts/default.
If you are a ProZ.com member you can subscribe to the scam alerts.

2022

January 2022

January 19, 2022: Scammer under alias "Christian Fournier", pretending to represent French company "Ad Conseils Et Solutions" and targeting French translators

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers operating under the alias "Christian Fournier", pretending to represent French company "Ad Conseils Et Solutions" and, apparently, targetting French translators. It appears that the impersonator's main purpose is to steal the translator's work in order to sell it to a client as their own. The impersonator(s) is using the email address [email protected]

2021

December 2021

December 2, 2021: Advance payment scam using name "Linda Albrighton" and email address "[email protected]"

A report has been received of a person or group of people contacting translators for the translation of a document, and offering an advance payment in order to wire them fake checks and then request a refund due to overpayment issues. This scammer is using the name "Linda Albrighton" and the email address [email protected]

The emails resemble the following:

Hey there?I would like to know if you are available to translate an English document onto Potuguese? 
Reply to me on ( [email protected] )Many thanks..Linda

December 2, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent Technovate Translations

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers pretending to represent Technovate Translations, asking the service provider to do a translation and charging a levy or fee to be awarded a project. The impersonator(s) is using the name Brent Malfurd and email address [email protected] .

Please note that Technovate Translations company email addresses use the domain @technovatetranslations.com or @technovate.com

The Blue Board record for this outsourcer is https://www.proz.com/blueboard/13786

The emails resemble the following:

We are TECHNOVATE TRANSLATIONS we helps handle huge contracts for bigs companies around the world and we have been awarded with a conract because of our Excellence in the Execution of our Contracts during our company's presence in the Game, now we have as usually been awarded with a technical writing project and this contract contains a Huge Big cash bag, now we are recruiting freelancers who can handle various given out tasks From their various homes and comfort zone which will you will receive a weekly huge cash paychecks which are delivered instantly, and assist us and our esteemed organization TECHNOVATE TRANSLATIONS in the Execution of this contract at hand successfully and professionally

You do understand that you will be paying a refundable guarantee levy of 50 dollars??

November 2021

November 21, 2021: Overpayment scam pretending to represent French company "A.L.D.O. INVESTISSEMENTS"

A report has been received of a person or group of people conducting an overpayment scam such as the one described here: [1] and here [2].

This scammer is using the name "Alan Landais" and a free email address, and proposing bank transfer as the payment method.

See below for an example of the scammer's emails:

Bonjour
Je vous remercie pour votre réponse et l'attention que vous portez à ma demande.
En effet,je souhaite traduire dans le compte d'une société un document en FRANCAIS VERS ANGLAIS dans le cadre d'une séance de formation.

En ce qui concerne le délai,je souhaiterais que le document soit livré au plus tard dans quatre semaines.

Veuillez trouver en pièce-jointe le type de document en question.

Alors si vous comptez mener à bien ce projet,merci de me le notifier afin que je puisse vous transmettre les informations nécessaires pour l'établissement d'un devis.

Pour nous établir un devis merci de se référer aux informations suivantes:
[Company information redacted]

NB: Veuillez me notifier l'acompte, afin que je puisse signer le devis et vous le renvoyer.
veuillez aussi me faire parvenir votre RIB pour le virement de l'acompte.
Merci de votre compréhension


Bien cordialement

November 2, 2021: Impersonation of ProZ.com member Halvor Halvorsen

ProZ.com member Halvor Halvorsen, https://www.proz.com/profile/717326 , has reported that his CV is being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The name used by the scammer is "Olav Halvorsen", using the email address: [email protected]

October 2021

October 28, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent MGM Linguistic Solutions

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers pretending to represent MGM LINGUISTIC SOLUTIONS. The impersonator(s) is using the name Luka Aourena and email address [email protected].

October 14, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent ARRIELI TRANSLATIONS

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers pretending to represent ARRIELI TRANSLATIONS. The impersonators are using the names of Barlinde Visser and Olivia Torres Ortega and email addresses [email protected] or [email protected] .

October 6, 2021: Trojan virus .zip file pretending to be a response to a ProZ.com job quote

A report has been received of a Trojan virus being sent to ProZ.com users under the pretense of being a response to a ProZ.com job quote.

The email won't arrive from the same person/company that originally posted the offer, and the offer may even be several months old.

The emails may include the text "You have been sent a message regarding your ProZ.com job posting:" and they start with a very vague prompt to open the attached .zip file, such as the following:

Good morning, check the document and let me know what you think about it. Thanks.

Hello, just have a look at this. Thank you.

Hello, attached below requires your attention. Please contact me with any questions you have. Thanks.

If you receive any such email, please don't open the file, and report it immediately to ProZ.com support.

September 2021

September 22, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent Adecco Switzerland / Listverse.com

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers pretending to represent Adecco Switzerland / Listverse.com. The impersonators are using the name "Alessandro Widmer" along with the company logo in their signature and the email address [email protected] and [email protected]

Please note that all of Adecco Switzerland's company email addresses use the domain @adecco.ch, not @adecco.com.

The emails reported resemble the following:

We need the English articles of our site to be translated into French. Our website https://www.listverse.com publishes top 10 listings regularly. We are localizing our contents for our French audience. We need you to translate our articles every week. If you are available for the job, let us know how many words you can translate per week and what's your per word rate (in EUR) for the translation. Looking forward to start working with you as soon as possible.

Read the job description here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ar5DRMtgPL495Ly81y4gc7s8h2I...
Link to sample documents to translate is provided in the job description. And there's a contract document link in the job description. If you accept the job, sign the contract and send us the signed contract back.
Once you sign the contract, we would send you payment in advance as per the contract along with the articles to translate for the first week. You also need to have a Skype account, as we need to have discussion on Skype regarding the job.

Send a Skype contact request to [email protected] I will send you payment and have discussion with you regarding the job.

September 19, 2021: Advance payment scam using name "Emerald Conde" email "[email protected]"

A report has been received of a person or group of people conducting a fake check/overpayment scam such as the one described here: [3] and [4]. This scammer is using the name "Emerald Conde" and the email address [email protected] and using a text on agriculture as source material.

You can see the original report here: [5]

September 14, 2021: Advance payment scam using name "Joseph Maligat" email "[email protected]"

A report has been received of a person or group of people conducting a fake check/overpayment scam such as the one described here: [6]. This scammer is using the name "Joseph Maligat" and the email address [email protected]

The emails resemble the following:

Hello,

I will like to know your availability to translate a
document for me from English to German. Kindly get back to
me and lets see what we can work out.

Thanks

 Hope your day went as planned? Please find attachment and get back to me with the cost of translation for each document separately and your best delivery timing. I will look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Thanks

  I just want to inform you that your details have been sent for payment. I will get back to you as soon as I have an update on the payment by Monday or Tuesday. Thank you for your time and understanding.

Regards
Joe

  How are you doing today, hope your day went as planned? Just wondering why I have not heard back from you after my last email. Am really sorry for my long silence as I have not been feeling fine and just getting better. As for the payment, I just checked my email and could see the payment schedule but there seems to be a slight mix-up with the amount sent and I believe this is something we can sort out as soon as you have the money available in your account. Sometimes the scheduled payment can come in a check or direct deposit to your account... Kindly watch out for the payment till I keep you posted with the amount sent. Thank you so much for your time, patience and understanding.

Best regards
Joseph

How are you doing today, hope your day is going as planned? Am really sorry for my long silence as I have not been feeling well and my boss could not have any access to reach me or if I could reply to his message. I just returned from the hospital and replied to your message. I am doing just better now. You will have the check delivered to you today or latest Monday. Everything could not progress as there was no means to contact you as no one had access to my email while I was in the hospital. You will have the check in the amount ( £9,981 and will see the date on it as well 16th of june 2021 ) do let me know as soon as you have the check.

Thank you so much for your time, patience and understanding... Looking forward to hearing back from you soon.

Best regards
Joseph

How are you doing today, hope your day went as planned? I really appreciate your concern, I am doing much better now. Like I told you in one of the emails I sent you before being admitted back to the hospital,  there was a mix-pix up with the amount sent. You got the £9,981 that was to be sent to another client while the client also got the  €1600 advance payment for your translation. We tried many times to effect the transfer which was not successful, so they went to the bank to use the money to buy the bank draft and have it mailed to you with the intention you are the one getting the  £9,981 not knowing you were to be getting €1600. The other client has already deposited and cash the check and is waiting on the balance. If you look at the date on the check you will understand better what I am trying to say clearly. Kindly proceed to the bank as soon as you can and have the check deposited for funds to be available in some days depending on when it's deposited and we can sort it all out. This is not a regular check but a bank draft and will clear in some days as it is as good as cash. You will still be keeping the money for the translation €3200 while we work out a new delivery date for the delivery of the translated copy. Thank you so much for your time, patience and everything you have done to make this work.

Best regards

The draft has been bought since June and the receipt is no more. The bank only told you it will take 4-6 weeks but as they told me where it was purchased, you will have access to the money in some days. There is nothing to explain to the tax authorities if you can calculate the tax % on the money and we can deduct it from the balance aside the money for the translation. Let's wait on the deposit and see as things unfold. Thank you for your time and enjoy the rest of your day

How are you doing today? I would like to know if you have made the deposit and when to start counting days for the funds availability.

July 2021

July 26, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent Translated

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers pretending to represent Translated. The impersonators are using the name "Jaya Jagwani" along with Translated website and Blue Board link in their signature and the email address [email protected]

Please note that all of Translated's company email addresses include @translated.net and @translated.com. Please only reply to emails received from these domains as everything else originates outside of the company/staff members.

The company's website is at: https://translated.com/

The Blue Board for the real translation agency is at: https://www.proz.com/blueboard/525

July 11, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent AZUR CONSEILS ET SOLUTIONS

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers pretending to represent AZUR CONSEILS ET SOLUTIONS. The impersonators are using the name "Stéphane Cavelier" and the email address [email protected]

July 11, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent easytrans24.com

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers pretending to represent easytrans24.com. The impersonators are using the name "Krisztina Linka" along with the company logo in their signature and the email address [email protected]

Please note that all of easytrans24.com's company email addresses include @easytrans24.com. Please only reply to emails received from @easytrans24.com as everything else originates outside of the company/staff members.

The company's website is at: https://easytrans24.com/

The Blue Board for the real translation agency is at: https://www.proz.com/blueboard/1772

This scammer was first reported at Translator Scammers: [7]

June 2021

June 28, 2021: Scammer posted a job offer with the title "21000 words"

A job offer was posted on ProZ.com for the language pair English to French, under the title "21000 words" and the name "Steve Milton". The email used was "[email protected]".

The following text accompanied the offer:

A technical translator, specialized in agriculture is needed for a project that includes a 21000-words manual. Restructuring of Agriculture.

the source document is in.doc format and must be delivered in the same format to allow proofreading after delivery

Thanks in Advance for your application

Best regards,

Steven Milton.

June 27, 2021: Scammer posted a job offer with the title "A translator that can translate 15,000 words" for the pair English to French

A job offer was posted on ProZ.com for the language pair English to French, under the title "A translator that can translate 15,000 words" and the name "Steve Baron". The email used was "[email protected]".

The following text accompanied the offer:

I’m looking for a Translator to interpret written and audio pieces in French, making sure to maintain their original meaning, format and tone.
Regards,
Steve.

June 22, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent CIT / CAL Interpreting & Translation

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers pretending to represent CIT / CAL Interpreting & Translation. The impersonators are using the name "Giuliano Scocozza" along with the company logo in their signature and the email address [email protected]

Please note that all of CIT's company email addresses include @calinterpreting.com. Please only reply to emails received from @calinterpreting.com as everything else originates outside of the company/staff members.

The company's website is at: https://calinterpreting.com/

The Blue Board for the real translation agency is at: https://www.proz.com/blueboard/38432 and the real Giuliano can be reached at his ProZ.com profile: https://www.proz.com/profile/1417366

June 1, 2021: Advance payment scam using names "Sandra Dyer" and "Theresa Casagrand" and targeting German language translators

A report has been received of a person or group of people conducting a fake check/overpayment scam such as the one described here: [8]. This scammer is using the names "Sandra Dyer" and "Theresa Casagrand" and the email addresses [email protected] and [email protected]

The emails resemble the following:

Greetings, I have a German content document. I need this document translated to English. I would like to know if you are interested please get back to me asap

Subject: English to German Translation
Hello,
How are you today? Hope you're keeping safe at these times. I need a paper translated in the language pair above. Please get back if you are available to take on the project, so I can send you full details. I await your timely response.
Kind Regards.
Theresa Casagrand

May 2021

May 23, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent Lengoo / Lengoo.de

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers pretending to represent Lengoo / Lengoo.de. The impersonators are using the name "Noemi Razso" along with the company logo in their signature and the email address [email protected]

Please note that all of Lengoo's company email addresses include @lengoo.de. Please only reply to emails received from @lengoo.de as everything else originates outside of the company/staff members.

The company's website is at: https://www.lengoo.de/en/

The Blue Board for the real translation agency is at: https://www.proz.com/blueboard/45658

May 18, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent Axiom Translate

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers pretending to represent Axiom Translate. The impersonators are using the name "Cristina Kietzmann" along with the company logo in their signature and the email address [email protected]

Please note that all of Axiom Translate's company email addresses include @axiomtranslate.com or @axiomtranslate.net. Please only reply to emails received from @axiomtranslate.com/@axiomtranslate.net as everything else originates outside of the company/staff members. The Blue Board for the legitimate organization is at: https://www.proz.com/blueboard/53342

May 3, 2021: Advance payment scam using name "Daniel Brzezinski" and pretending to represent wedding caterer "Daniel et Daniel"

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers pretending to represent wedding caterer "Daniel et Daniel". The impersonators are using the name "Daniel Brzezinski" and the email addresses [email protected]

Note that the email domain of the legitimate business should include the primary domain (@danieletdaniel.ca). You can see the real company's website here: https://www.danieletdaniel.ca/

May 3, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent Q-Trans / Qtrans Language Solutions Global

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers pretending to represent Q-Trans / Qtrans Language Solutions Global. The impersonators are using the name "Sara Henry" and the email addresses [email protected]

Note that the email domain of the legitimate business should include the primary domain (@qtrans.net) or subdomain (@qtranslsg.onmicrosoft.com) and the Blue Board for the legitimate organization is at https://www.proz.com/blueboard/34382

April 2021

April 21, 2021: Advance payment scam using name "Ludovic Baute" and targeting French language translators

A report has been received of a person or group of people conducting a fake check/overpayment scam such as the one described here: [9]. This scammer is using the name "Ludovic Baute" and the email address [email protected]

The emails resemble the following:

Bonjour
je me permets de vous contacter pour besoin d'un traducteur
disponible pour répondre à une mission de traduction de
document en anglais vers le français(traduction non assermentée).
Merci de me contacter pour plus de détails concernant cette
mission.
Cordialement

April 21, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent 3D ENVIRONNEMENT

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers pretending to represent 3D ENVIRONNEMENT. The impersonators are using the names of Stéphane Brunet and the email addresses [email protected] .

April 10, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent Languages for Business Centre

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers pretending to represent Languages for Business Centre. The impersonators are using the names of Eric Brass (Director) and the email addresses [email protected] .

Note that the email domain of the legitimate business is @languages-for-business.com and the Blue Board for the legitimate organization is at https://www.proz.com/blueboard/31531

April 7, 2021: Advance payment scam using name "Ana Margarida" and pretending to represent the World Bank

A scammer is contacting translators for the translation of a document, pretending to represent the World Bank, and offering an advance payment in order to wire them fake checks and then request a refund due to overpayment issues. The reported address is: [email protected]

The emails resemble the following:

Hello 
i am Ana Margarida , a Senior Economist Development Research
Group in the Trade and International Integration Unit of the
Development Research Group at the World Bank i need you to
arrange this public health research to Arabic kindly revert
so you can go through the job and counts and get back to me
on when you can deliver it and how much it will cost.
Thanks for your time 
Ana

March 2021

March 23, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent Lingo24 Translation Services Ltd.

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers pretending to represent Lingo24. The impersonators are using the names of Paul Gregory and Carmen Manetoiu, who are real members of the Lingo24 team, and the email addresses [email protected] and [email protected].

Note that the email domain of the legitimate business is @lingo24.com and the Blue Board for the legitimate organization is at https://www.proz.com/blueboard/801

March 18, 2021: Advance payment scam using name "Léonard FAUCONNIER"

An advance payment scam was reported. In this case, the name used by the scammer was “Léonard FAUCONNIER”, and the email address used was [email protected] .

March 1, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent the German pharmaceutic "STADA"

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers sending fake interview invitations pretending to represent the German pharmaceutic "STADA". The first email invitation is followed by a Google Hangouts interview and a request for personal information, presumably as part of a pay-to-work scam.

Subject: STADA JOB OFFER - INTERPRETATION/TRANSLATION JOB INVITATION!!!
Dear Prospective Employee,
After a quick review of your profile on American Translators Association, I write to present the STADA Job offer. We are looking for qualified new colleagues to shape the future of STADA. Alongside interesting work in diverse areas. If you enjoy working in a highly motivated team and possess skills as well as experience to enhance STADA and business, this position is for you. Our flexible working environment had helped us build a dynamic and inclusive workplace that operates on trust and respect and allows you to live the life you want to live. We’re in search of individuals, companies irrespective of the current business type for an Interpreting job position.
COMPANY: STADA.
Job Name: Interpreter/Translator
Job Type: Part-Time, Full-Time (Freelancer).
Hourly Rate: $95.50/Hour
Training Rate: $75/Hour.
Location: Work from Home.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
* Facilitate effective communication between two parties that do not speak a similar language by converting one spoken or written language to another.
 * Compile information and technical terms into glossaries and terminology databases to be used in their  oral renditions and translations
 * Speak, read, and write fluently in at least two languages, one of which is usually English
 * Relay the style and tone of the original language
 * Provides quality control review of translated documents as required
 * Performs other duties as required
 * Communicates between the Program and the Non-Speaking community to maintain reciprocity between the Program and stakeholder groups.
If interested, follow the steps below to schedule your interview session:
You've been assigned to Mrs. Diona Markenzi (HR representative) of STADA, She would be conducting an online interview with you.
Please indicate your interest in an interview by contacting Mrs. Diona Markenzi on telegram using this link (https://t.me/Diona_markenzi) or Please have Telegram downloaded on any of your devices (Laptop and/or Phone) and add up the Hr Coordinator (@Diona_markenzi) and instant message her with her screen name to proceed with the job interview process.
Interview Scheduled: Mondays - Fridays
Venue: Online Via Telegram
Time : 8:00 AM-6:00 PM EST
Training is available.
Your verification code is (STADA/TRN/INT-20111987). This would serve as your identification number throughout the online hiring process. This is an online work from home and working hours are flexible.
Your swift and timely response matters a lot as this is an immediate hire position... We look forward to having you on the team.
Yours Sincerely,
Simone Berger,
Executive Vice President
Global Human Resources

February 2021

February 21, 2021: Advance payment / overpayment scam: "Search for a lesson teacher that would help in taking son"

A scammer is contacting translators for English language tutoring lessons, and offering an advance payment in order to wire them fake checks and then request a refund due to overpayment issues. Some of the reported addresses are: [email protected], [email protected]

The emails resemble the following:

Hello,

During my search for a lesson teacher that would help in taking son (Kenneth), I found your advert and it is very okay to me since you specialize in the area I'm seeking for him, My son would be taking online lessons from you, I'll like to know if you can help in taking him for the lesson? just to keep him busy and refresh. Kenneth is 11 years old, So kindly let me know your charges per hour/lesson in order for me to arrange for the payment before lessons commence and Please Reply back on:

(1). Your charges per 1 hour (3 times a week for 2 Weeks): Starting from 25th February Until 9th March 2021

(2) Total Cost For 6 class/6 hours lessons in 2 Weeks

(3). The Day you will be available to teach him During the week:

Well am very happy that i see you as my son tutor and about your years of Experience there is no problem about the lessons, My son will be with his caregiver while is taking the online lessons from you so there is no problem for the lesson to commence, my son caregiver will bring him to your location after the pandemic is over so you can teach him anywhere around you including the Library or your home if that is okay by you so i will like you to teach my son the best. I will like you to email me with your schedule for the lessons, I will like you to email me with the name on the check and Full mailing address where the check will be mailed to and including your Home and Cell phone number for my attorney to issue out a check to your before leaving the the state, you can cashed the check via mobile deposit or your bank, I will be awaiting to read from you soon with your name and address.

Best Wishes,

February 26, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent Tongue Tied Ltd.

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers sending fake job offer pretending to represent "Tongue Tied Ltd." passing as a project manager of the company. The email reported is using the name and signature of Sarah Murphy, with the email address [email protected] and the website www.tongue-tiied.co.uk (please note the two i). The real company domain is @tongue-tied.co.uk: https://www.tongue-tied.co.uk/ and the company's Blue Board record https://www.proz.com/blueboard/1754

January 2021

January 18, 2021: Impersonation of freelance translator Marika Tonon

A report has been received of a scammer using the modified resume and Translatorcafé credentials of the freelance translator Marika Tonon, to apply for jobs. The impersonator is using the name "Adrina Benito" and the email addresses "[email protected]" and "[email protected]".

2020

December 2020

December 11, 2020: Impersonation of freelance translator Christopher Meyer-Kretschmer

A report has been received of a scammer using the name and resume of freelance translator Christopher Meyer-Kretschmer to apply for jobs. The impersonator uses the name "Christopher Meyer-Kretschmer" and the email address [email protected].

December 09, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam by "Staci Burton" [email protected]

A report has been received of a person or group of people conducting a fake check/overpayment scam such as the one described here: [10], using the name "Staci Burton" and the email address [email protected]

December 06, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam by "Carver Robertson" [email protected]

A report has been received of a person or group of people conducting a fake check/overpayment scam such as the one described here: [11], using the name "Carver Robertson" and the email address [email protected]

Subject: ENGLISH TO SPANISH TRANSLATOR NEEDED
 
Hello, 
How are you today? Please confirm if you are available to work on a freelance translation 
project in the above language pair. Will be waiting on your timely response, so I can send you 
full details on the project 
 
Kind Regards.

December 01, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent Global Translators UK Ltd.

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers sending fake job offer pretending to represent "Global Translators UK Ltd." passing as a vendor manager of the company. The email reported is using the name and signature of Raman Sangha, a vendor manager of Global Translators, but with the email address [email protected]. Please note that the real company domain is @globaltranslators.co.uk: https://www.globaltranslators.co.uk.com/

The real employee has reported the impersonation on LinkedIn.

November 2020

November 29, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam by "Debbie Hobbs" [email protected]

A report has been received of a person or group of people conducting a fake check/overpayment scam such as the one described here: [12], using the name "Debbie Hobbs" and the email address [email protected]

Hello,

Can i submit my document for translation from English to
Spanish? And are you free to handle it right now? Its a
community
development lecture On Organic Farming which i organize to
support the youth going into farming and animal production
as a business
and i want it translated/submitted before Feb 27th.
Please respond back if you can meet up with this deadline.

Best Regards.

November 25, 2020: Impersonation of freelance translator Alison Cowe

A report has been received of a scammer using the name and resume of freelance translator Alison Cowe to hire other translators. The impersonator uses the name "Alison Cowe" and the email address [email protected].

November 24, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent The Big Word - thebigword.com

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers sending fake job offer pretending to represent "The Big Word" passing as a vendor manager of the company. The email reported is using the fake name "John Lord", but with the email address [email protected]. Please note that the real company domain is @thebigword.com: https://www.thebigword.com/

The fake emails read as follow:

Hi,
Please let me know if you are available to translate the 5 attached word files
from Italian to French  that consist of 36884 words .
Let me  know your best rate per word ?
When can you finish the project at earliest  ?
We pay within 30-45 days after delivery via paypal or bank transfer 
please confirm if you are available
looking forward your reply asap 

Regards,
John Lord
(project manager)
--
Link Up House, Ring Road, Lower Wortley, Leeds, LS12 6AB, UK
dd: +44(0)1132107500  |  t: +44 (0)870 748 8000

November 16, 2020: Impersonation of ProZ.com member M. Marta Moreno Lobera

A report has been received of a scammer using the name and resume of ProZ.com member M. Marta Moreno Lobera to advertise their services. The impersonator uses the name "Mercedes Marta Moreno Lobera" and the email address [email protected]. According to Translator-Scammers, Marta's stolen CV is being used by a known scammer who uses the name "Khalil Khatib" and the company name "languagemet.com".

November 9, 2020: Apparent CV hijacking by Afnan Zamel using mame "TransHarvest.com"

A report has been received of an apparent ghost company running a CV hijacking operation under the name TransHarvest / transharvest.com. It appears that they have been using ProZ.com to contact translators. As reported by Translator-Scammers, the following names and emails are used:

Afnan Zamel / [email protected]
Ahmed Ali / [email protected]
Anton Chris / [email protected] / [email protected]
Baraa Salam / [email protected]
Edward Graham / [email protected] / [email protected]
Erkan Baran / [email protected] / [email protected]
Erkan Cagl / [email protected]
Fadi Saeed / [email protected] / [email protected]
Jim Davout / [email protected] / [email protected]
Louise Jory / [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected] / Skype: transharvest agency
Soha Faisal / [email protected]
Tom Watson / [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]
Zaki Noor / [email protected] / [email protected]

November 9, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent Pactera

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers sending fake job offer pretending to represent "Pactera" passing as a vendor manager of the company. The email reported is using the name and signature of Carole Zhou, a vendor manager of Pactera, but with the email address [email protected] and another phone number. Please note that the real company domain is @pactera.com: https://www.pactera.com/

The fake email signature is as follows

Carole Zhou (周斐雪)
Vendor Manager
Address: Wuxi National Software Park, Jiangsu, China
Tel: +86 152 9508 0259 
Email:  [email protected]   | Website: www.pactera.com

November 1, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam by "Heather Carlson" [email protected]

A report has been received of a person or group of people conducting a fake check/overpayment scam such as the one described here: [13]. This scammer is using the name "Heather Carlson" and the email address [email protected]

November 1, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam by "John Leonard" [email protected]

A report has been received of a person or group of people conducting a fake check/overpayment scam such as the one described here: [14]. This scammer is using the name "John Leonard" and the email address [email protected]

October 2020

October 20, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent "Atlas Language Services" [email protected]

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers sending fake job offer pretending to represent "Atlas Language Services". The email reported is using the name Susana, email address, [email protected] . Please note that the real company domain is @atlasls.com: http://www.atlasls.com

October 8, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent "Mankent" [email protected]

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers sending fake job offer pretending to represent "Mankent". The email reported is using the name Assel Murumbayeva, email address, [email protected] . Please note that the real company domain is @mankent.kz: http://www.mankent.kz/

Hello,

Herewith sending a doc to by typed in Polish.
We can pay you 40 USD.

Need this by today 2 pm GMT time.

Just Polish typing only.

Please confirm!

-- 
Best regards,
Assel Murumbayeva
Vendor Manager
72/1, Taugul-1, Almaty
A10F4M9, Kazakhstan
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www. mankent.kz

Subject: Korean-English Translation.

Hello,

We have attached the file which needs to be translated into English.

Please check and let us the final rate and if you can deliver it Tomorrow 8 am GMT+9 Time( South Korea)

Waiting for your reply..

-- 
Best regards,
Assel Murumbayeva
Vendor Manager

72/1, Taugul-1, Almaty
A10F4M9, Kazakhstan
E-mail: [email protected] 
Web: www. mankent.kz

October 6, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam by "Harold Anderson" [email protected]

A report has been received of a person or group of people conducting a fake check/overpayment scam such as the one described here: [15]. This scammer appears to be targeting French to and from English translators, using the name "Harold Anderson" and the email address [email protected]

Hello,
How are you doing today? I'm contacting you regarding an English Freshman Orientation Community College Research content in which I want to get translated to French, kindly get back to me if you are available and in which language do you translate? So I can forward the document to you asap for the quote, I found your contact at American Translators Association, Thank you.

August 2020

August 18, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent "Biogen Neuroscience"

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers sending fake interview invitations pretending to represent "Biogen Neuroscience". The first email invitation is followed by a Google Hangouts interview and a request for personal information, presumably as part of a pay-to-work scam.

The email addresses reported has been [email protected]. Please note that the real company domain is @biogen.com: https://www.biogen.com/

From: <[email protected]>
Dear Translator/Interpreter,
After a quick review of your profile on the Carolina Association Of Translators & Interpreters  (CATI). I write to present Biogen Job Offer. Biogen is always looking for outstanding individuals willing to participate and actively support the company's positive business development. If you enjoy working in a highly motivated team and possess skills as well as experience to enhance Biogen technology and business, this position is for you. Our flexible working environment had helped us build a dynamic and inclusive workplace that operates on trust and respect and allows you to live the life you want to live. We’re in search of individuals, companies irrespective of the current business type for an Interpreting job position.
As a responsible company, we act where the needs are greatest and where we can have maximum impact. Together, with our employees and partners, we help provide better health for all.
COMPANY: BIOGEN.
Job Name: Translator/Interpreter
Job Type: Part-Time, Full-Time (Freelancer).
Hourly Rate: $80/Hour
Training Rate: $65/Hour.
Location: Work from Home.
JOB DUTIES AS A TRANSLATOR/INTERPRETER:
* Interpreter is to interpret and translate complex medical information to patients who speak a foreign language.
* Investigates and researches medical and technical terminology in both source and target language to ensure understanding and accurate translations.
* Strive to provide a positive and relaxed experience so patients feel comfortable disclosing sensitive information about their medical conditions..
* Manages the translation process of each requested document.
* Mentors and teaches peers in order to improve the overall interpreting skills of the department.
* Assists the office in general office duties and the coordination of interpreting sessions.
* Interprets communication between the staff or faculty and the non-English speaking population.
If interested, follow the steps below to schedule your interview session:
You've been assigned to Mr. Ryan Butler (Hiring Coordinator) of Biogen, he would be conducting an online interview with you.
Please indicate your interest for an interview by contacting Mr. Ryan Butler set up a screen name with Gmail hangout https://hangouts.google.com/ and add up the Company Hiring Manager's hangouts screen ([email protected]) and instant message him to proceed with the job interview 
Interview Scheduled: Mondays - Fridays
Venue: Online Via Hangout
Time : 9:00 AM-6:00 PM EST
Training is available.
Your verification code is (BIO/CATI/INT_11_11). This would serve as your identification number throughout the online hiring process. This is an online work from home and working hours are flexible.
Your swift and timely response matters a lot as this is an immediate hire position... We look forward to having you on the team.
Yours Sincerely,
Patricia Larkin,
Director Human Resources,
Biogen
www.Biogen.com

August 18, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam by "Mariam Power" [email protected]

A report has been received of a person or group of people conducting a fake check/overpayment scam such as the one described here: [16], using the name "Mariam Power" and the email address [email protected]

The file sent for translation was On The Concept Of Culture And Some Cultural Fallacies by David Bidney. You can find a list of all reported source files used for this scam, here.

July 2020

July 19, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent "Custom Pharma Services"

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers sending fake interview invitations pretending to represent "Custom Pharma Services". The first email invitation is followed by a Google Hangouts interview and a request for personal information, presumably as part of a pay-to-work scam. The emails reported came from [email protected] and mon[email protected]

Subject: Custom Pharma Services - JOB OFFER - TRANSLATOR/INTERPRETER!!!
To: <[email protected]>
Dear Translator/Interpreter,
After a quick review of your profile on Carolina Association of Translators and Interpreters, 
I write to present Custom Pharma Services Job Offer. Custom Pharma Services is always looking for outstanding individuals willing to participate and actively support the company's positive business development. If you enjoy working in a highly motivated team and possess skills as well as experience to enhance Custom Pharma Services technology and business, this position is for you. Our flexible working environment had helped us build a dynamic and inclusive workplace that operates on trust and respect and allows you to live the life you want to live. We’re in search of individuals, companies irrespective of the current business type for an Interpreting job position.
As a responsible company, we act where the needs are greatest and where we can have maximum impact. Together, with our employees and partners, we help provide better health for all.
COMPANY: Custom Pharma Services.
Job Name: Interpreter/Translator
Job Type: Part-Time, Full-Time (Freelancer).
Hourly Rate: $80/Hour
Training Rate: $75/Hour.
Location: Work from Home
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
* Provide correct, clear and concise translations.
* Provide translations that are formatted in a way that they can be matched up to the original documentation that was submitted.
* Provide legible word counts for all translated documents.
If interested, follow the steps below to schedule your interview session:
You've been assigned to Mr Monday Cole (Hiring Coordinator) of Custom Pharma Services, he would be conducting an online interview with you.
To contact him, set up a screen name with Gmail hangout https://hangouts.google.com/ and add up the Company Hiring Manager's hangouts screen name ([email protected]) and instant message him to proceed with the job interview
Interview Scheduled: Mondays - Fridays
Venue: Online Via Google Hangout
Time : 9:00 AM-6:00 PM EST
Training is available.
Your verification code is (CPS/TRN_11_25). This would serve as your identification number throughout the online hiring process. This is an online work from home and working hours are flexible.
Your swift and timely response matters a lot as this is an immediate hire position... We look forward to having you on the team.
Yours Sincerely,
Patricia Larkin,
Director Human Resources,
Custom Pharma Services
www.custompharma.co.uk

July 19, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent "Alpha Trad"

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers sending fake interview invitations pretending to represent "Alpha Trad". The first email invitation is followed by a Google Hangouts interview and a request for personal information, presumably as part of a pay-to-work scam. The emails reported came from [email protected] and [email protected]

Subject: Online Interview Invitation for Online Translators/Interpreters

Hello! I am writing this letter regarding your portfolio on Carolina Association of Translators and Interpreters (CATI)) and the vacant position of online editor in our company. We are developing really fast and need editors very urgently in order to start the appropriate training. Therefore, we have to select the right candidate carefully and at the same time very quickly for this position.
 
We would like to inform you that your profile on the The Carolina Association of Translators and Interpreters makes you one from ten candidates who is selected for the interview in our firm. The interview will take place on Google hangouts. Please, contact the HR Coordinator on [email protected] for more details. We believe that you are one of the most qualified people for this position and wish you best of luck. Please, follow all instructions. Congratulations again and we are looking forward to seeing you at the interview.  

All the best. Sincerely,  
Dr. Helen Gray
Alphatrad HR Department
Www.alphatrad.net

July 15, 2020: CV hijacking by Floretta Joseph / bigtranswork.com

A report has been received that the ghost company BigTrans / BigTransWork is running its CV hijacking scam again. This fake company was first reported to ProZ.com in 2018, here, and originally detected by Translator Scammers, here. The newest alias reported is "Floretta Joseph", email address [email protected] and [email protected]

Dear Translator, 
I am Floretta Joseph from Bigtrans company. I am a project manager and a mediator between the translators and the clients. The client will give me a project either it’s a translation, proofreading, editing, or other services. So, the idea is to take your permission and authorization to change small details of your CV such as email and contact details if you agree. And I need you to be assured that you will take your right completely and on time. You only need to read our contract, sign it, and send it with your CV and cover letter. We only change contact details in order to send the CV to clients to get jobs and you have the full and complete priority to work on those projects. In case you are not available, we can send jobs to other translators.
The purpose of this authorization and permission is to have cooperation with you to get projects by sending your CV to clients.
Don’t hesitate to agree with our work because you are dealing with a trustworthy company that will give you a good job at a good price.
Please do feel free to get in touch for more help.
Kind regards,
Floretta Joseph
Project manager/ BigTrans Team
Website: www.bigtranswork.com

July 13, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent "Vertex Pharmaceuticals"

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers sending fake interview invitations pretending to represent "Vertex Pharmaceuticals". The first email invitation is followed by a Telegram interview and a request for personal information, presumably as part of a pay-to-work scam. The emails reported came from [email protected]

Subject: TRANSLATOR/PROOFREADING JOB OFFER

Dear Prospective Employee,
Our hiring team has received and reviewed your resume and we believe you are capable of handling this position based on your resume.
Our starting pay for the position is $35.00 per hour (9:00 AM - 2:00 PM  and 3:00PM - 9PM Monday – Friday; Full-time & Part-time), pay cycle is weekly or bi-weekly depending on your preference.
Position Hiring: French-English TRANSLATOR/PROOFREADER
Read on for fine points about the open job position:
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc®. is an American biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts. It was one of the first biotech firms to use an explicit strategy of rational drug design rather than combinatorial chemistry.
Other than having a reasonable base wage and great employee assistance bundle, we'll also coach you on the job and provide you with innovative technology so you can perform effectively, develop and flourish with us.
Following the newest online screening introduced by The Bureau of Human Resources, you are required to download the Telegram Messenger (on your mobile device or PC) via www.telegram.org Once done kindly follow the link (https://t.me/Vertex_hr) you can also search for our company's interview platform on Telegram using the username/ID (Vertex_hr) which can be used to identify us for the online interview/briefing and comprehensive job details currently going on now. 
This is your first step to proceed further; We expect to hear back from you as soon as possible. If you experience any difficulty while contacting the Hiring Manager, please feel free to email back for directives. 
We offer paid training, as we are very interested in your personal development. Your timely response matters a lot.
Sincerely,

July 13, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam by "Ethel Rucker" [email protected]

A report has been received of a person or group of people conducting a fake check/overpayment scam such as the one described here: [17], using the name "Ethel Rucker" and the email address [email protected]

The file sent for translation was The Political Economy of Capitalism, by Bruce R. Scott. You can find a list of all reported source files used for this scam, here.

July 13, 2020: CV hijacking by Emma Smith / bigtranswork.com

Dear Translator,
I am Emma Smith from Bigtrans company. I am a project manager and a mediator between the translators and the clients. The client will give me a project either it’s a translation, proofreading, editing or other services. So, the idea is to take your permission and authorization to change small details of your CV such as email and contact details if you agree. And I need you to be assured that you will take your right completely and on time. You only need to read our contract, sign it and send it with your CV and cover letter. We only change contact details in order to send the CV to clients to get jobs and you have the full and complete priority to work on those projects. In case you are not available we can send the jobs to other translators.
The purpose of this authorization and permission is to have cooperation with you to get projects by sending your CV to clients.
Don’t hesitate to agree to our work because you are dealing with a trustworthy company that will give you a good job with a good price.
Please do feel free to get in touch for more help.
Kind regards,
Emma Smith
Project manager/ BigTrans Team
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bigtranswork.com

July 12, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent "IBC Solar" and "Kessinger Publishing"

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers sending fake interview invitations pretending to represent "IBC Solar" and "Kessinger Publishing". The first email invitation is followed by a Google Hangouts interview and a request for personal information, presumably as part of a pay-to-work scam. The emails reported came from [email protected] and [email protected]

Subject: PART-TIME/FULL-TIME JOB OFFER

Dear Applicant,
We came across your resume profile on a job web-site and assumed you'd be a great addition to our vibrant company based on your qualification/work experience.
We're inviting you to apply for any of our open jobs of German TRANSLATOR/ PROOFREADER.. We are one of the pioneering companies in the manufacturing industry and aggressively developing and intensifying our talent base. 
This is a (P-T/F-T) work from home job offer 
IBC SOLAR offers tailor-made solutions ranging from individual solar panels to complete PV systems. For more than 38 years, IBC SOLAR has continually shaped the development of solar energy as a source of regenerative energy. We are currently developing projects in the USA like we did in countries such as Japan, India, the Philippines and other locations in the Asia Pacific region.
Read on for fine points about the open job position:
Type: Full-time/Part-time, permanent, benefit eligible.
Salary: $30 Hourly USD, paid overtime, vacation
Minimum Qualifications:
- United States National/Authorized to work in the United State;
- Should be above 18 years;
- Can speak fluently in English both verbally and written;
- Have Basic computer skills;
- User of office gadgets;
- Clean criminal record.
If this corresponds to something you'd be interested in, kindly reply back to this mail and one of our HR Executives will be in contact with you on the next step to follow.
If you're not at present in the market for a career transformation, please neglect this email.
Sincerely,
Christina Pfeufer

Subject: PART-TIME/FULL-TIME JOB OFFER

Dear Prospective Employee,
Our hiring team (KESSINGER PUBLISHING) has received and reviewed your resume from a job website and we believe you are capable of handling this position based on your resume.
Position Hiring: French-English TRANSLATOR/PROOFREADER
This is a (P-T/F-T) work from home job offer
Kessinger Publishing is an American print on demand publishing company located in Whitefish, Montana that specializes in rare, out of print books in various languages.
Read on for fine points about the open job position:
Type: Full-time/Part-time, permanent, benefit eligible.
Pay Cycle: $30 Hourly weekly/bi-weekly depending on your preference, paid overtime, vacation.
Minimum Qualifications:
- United States National/Authorized to work in the United State;
- Should be above 18 years;
- Can speak fluently in English both verbally and written;
- Have Basic computer skills;
- User of office gadgets;
- Clean criminal/credit record.
If this corresponds to something you'd be interested in, kindly reply back to this mail and one of our HR Executives will be in contact with you on the next step to follow.
If you're not at present in the market for a career transformation, please neglect this email.
Sincerely  
Kathlyn Grover

July 12, 2020: Impersonation of ProZ.com member Kitty Brussaard / Kitty Donath

A report has been received of a scammer using the name and resume of ProZ.com member Kitty Brussaard to advertise their services. The impersonator uses the name "Kitty Donath" and the email address [email protected]. The real Kitty's profile can be found here.

Dear,
I hope this email finds you well.

Highly motivated and results-oriented language professional with a keen eye for detail, accuracy and 
consistency. Focus on quality and customer satisfaction. Specialised in providing professional business 
language solutions to both businesses – ranging from corporates to SMEs –  and LSPs. Regular end 
clients include global risk management services provider DNV (Benelux offices), Budeco - the Business 
Development Company and the Dutch actuarial consultancy Confident BV. Relevant qualifications and 
work experience, both as a language professional and as a HR professional. Excellent communicative 
and interpersonal skills.  

Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,
Kitty

July 8, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent "Custom Pharma Services"

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers sending fake interview invitations pretending to represent "Custom Pharma Services". The first email invitation is followed by a Google Hangouts interview and a request for personal information, presumably as part of a pay-to-work scam.

Dear Translator/Interpreter,

After a quick review of your profile on The Supreme Court Of Ohio, I write to present Custom Pharma Services Job Offer. Custom Pharma Services is always looking for outstanding individuals willing to participate and actively support the company's positive business development. If you enjoy working in a highly motivated team and possess skills as well as experience to enhance Custom Pharma Services technology and business, this position is for you. Our flexible working environment had helped us build a dynamic and inclusive workplace that operates on trust and respect and allows you to live the life you want to live. We’re in search of individuals, companies irrespective of the current business type for an Interpreting job position.

As a responsible company, we act where the needs are greatest and where we can have maximum impact. Together, with our employees and partners, we help provide better health for all.

COMPANY: Custom Pharma Services.
Job Name: Interpreter/Translator
Job Type: Part-Time, Full-Time (Freelancer).
Hourly Rate: $80/Hour
Training Rate: $75/Hour.
Location: Work from Home.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

* Provide correct, clear and concise translations.

* Provide translations that are formatted in a way that they can be matched up to the original documentation that was submitted.

* Provide legible word counts for all translated documents.

If interested, follow the steps below to schedule your interview session:

You've been assigned to Robert Paul (Hiring Coordinator) of Custom Pharma Services, he would be conducting an online interview with you.

To contact him, set up a screen name with Gmail hangout https://hangouts.google.com/ and add up the Company Hiring Manager's hangouts screen name ([email protected]) and instant message him to proceed with the job interview

Interview Scheduled: Mondays - Fridays
Venue: Online Via Google Hangout
Time : 9:00 AM-6:00 PM EST
Training is available.

Your verification code is (CPS/TRN_11_12). This would serve as your identification number throughout the online hiring process. This is an online work from home and working hours are flexible.

Your swift and timely response matters a lot as this is an immediate hire position... We look forward to having you on the team.

Yours Sincerely,
Patricia Larkin,
Director Human Resources,
Custom Pharma Services
www.custompharma.co.uk

July 8, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam by "Sandra Hendrix" [email protected]

A report has been received of a person or group of people conducting a fake check/overpayment scam such as the one described here: [18], using the name "Sandra Hendrix" and the email address [email protected]

June 2020

June 28, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam claiming to represent "AidTrade"

A report has been received of a person or group of people conducting a fake check/overpayment scam such as the one described here: [19], claiming to represent the non-profit organization "AidTrade". Some of the email addresses used are: [email protected] and [email protected]

June 22, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam by "Julia Sergio" [email protected]

A report has been received of a person or group of people conducting a fake check/overpayment scam such as the one described here: [20], using the name "Julia Sergio" and the email address [email protected]

June 21, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam by "Ember Lomex" [email protected]

A report has been received of a person or group of people conducting a fake check/overpayment scam such as the one described here: [21], using the name "Ember Lomex" and the email address [email protected]

Hello, I\'m contacting you in regard to an English content document worth 11,643 words (44 Pages). I need this document translated into
Spanish Language. I would like to know if you are interested and available to get this done for me. Please get back to me as soon as you
can via email ([email protected]). Thank you.

June 14, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam under multiple presumed names

A report has been received of a person or group of people conducting a fake check/overpayment scam such as the one described here: [22], using the following fake names and addresses:

Email address [email protected]
Email address [email protected]
Email address [email protected]
Email address [email protected] - "Judy Cangelosi"
Email address [email protected] - "Elizabeth Julieth"
Email address [email protected] - "John Hedenski"
Email address [email protected] - "William James"
Email address [email protected] - "Benjamin Richards"
Email address [email protected] - "Ana De Queiroz"
Email address [email protected] - "Britney Stanfill"
"Christine Gupton"
"William Koehln"
"Deborah Ann Sieger"

June 10, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam: La desigualdad de ingresos de Francia en perspectiva histórica

A report has been received of a new variation on the overpayment/fake check scam. It was reported in the past months that a scammer or group of scammers are conducting this scheme with documents of public interest. It appears that they are now using two Spanish language documents, titled:

"La desigualdad de ingresos de Francia en perspectiva histórica"
"Educación y crecimiento económico: Del siglo XIX al XXI"

For a list of document names used to conduct this scam, see: [23]

June 9, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam by "Brenda Mora" [email protected]

A report has been received of a person or group of people conducting a fake check/overpayment scam such as the one described here: [24], using the name "Brenda Mora" and the email address [email protected]

June 8, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam by "Isabella Brown" [email protected]

A report has been received of a person or group of people conducting a fake check/overpayment scam such as the one described here: [25], using the name "Isabella Brown" and the email address [email protected]

Subject: Are you available for translation?

Hello,
I will like to know your availability to translate a document from Spanish to English. Kindly get back to me and let's see what we can work out
Thanks.

June 7, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam by "David Jackson" [email protected]

A report has been received of a person or group of people conducting a fake check/overpayment scam such as the one described here: [26], using the name "David Jackson" and the email address [email protected]

Subject: About translation

Hello,
How are you doing today? And I'm contacting you regarding an French content in which I want to get translated into German, So kindly get back to me if you available so I can forward the document to you asap for the quote, I found your contact at American Translators Association, Thank you.

June 3, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam: The impacts of climate change in coastal marine systems

A report has been received of a new variation on the overpayment/fake check scam. It was reported in July 2019 that a scammer or group of scammers was conducting this scheme with a document related to "Public Organisations Procedures Research". It appears that they are now using a new document, titled "The impacts of climate change in coastal marine systems". It appears that they are targeting German translators.

One of the names used is Ryan Pickett, email address [email protected]

See the original July 2019 report here: [27]

June 2, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent "ALRISE Biosystem"

A report has been received of a scammer or group of scammers sending fake interview invitations pretending to represent "ALRISE Biosystem". The first email invitation is followed by a Google Hangouts interview and a request for personal information, presumably as part of a pay-to-work scam.

The email addresses reported have been [email protected] and [email protected]. Please note that the real company domain is @alrise.de: http://www.alrise.de/contact/contact.html

Subject: INTERVIEW INVITATION!!! ALRISE BIOSYSTEM TRANSLATION/INTERPRETATION
Dear Translator/Interpreter,
After a quick review of your profile on ATA-American Translators Association, I write to present ALRISE Biosystem Job Offer. ALRISE Biosystems GmbH is always looking for outstanding individuals willing to participate and actively support the company's positive business development. If you enjoy working in a highly motivated team and possess skills as well as experience to enhance ALRISE's technology and business, this position is for you. Our flexible working environment had helped us build a dynamic and inclusive workplace that operates on trust and respect and allows you to live the life you want to live. We’re in search of individuals, companies irrespective of the current business type for an Interpreting job position.
The information below is a briefing about our company; the job and instructions to assist you to get aboard our work team. If truly you’re interested; read further and follow the instructions as stated below, IF NOT please ignore this message. As a responsible company, we act where the needs are greatest and where we can have maximum impact. Together, with our employees and partners, we help provide better health for all.

June 2, 2020: Impersonation of ProZ.com member Natasha Liberman

A report has been received of a person impersonating a translator. The aim of this is using the professional services of other translators without paying for them. The scammer presented themselves as Natasha Liberman, and is using the email address [email protected], and the phone number 205-730-5157. This person is in no way associated to the real Natasha Liberman. Reports indicate that this impersonator is part of the group of scammers reported here.

The scammer's emails resemble the following:

Subject: Are you available for translation?
Hello. I would like to know if you are available for translation from French to English? Thanks.

June 2, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam: FUNDAMENTALS OF BUSINESS PROFITABILITY

One of the names used is Joseph Gleicher, email address [email protected]

See the original July 2019 report here: [28]

June 2, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam: Ökologischer Landbau und weltweite Nahrungsmittelversorgung

A report has been received of a new variation on the overpayment/fake check scam. It was reported in July 2019 that a scammer or group of scammers was conducting this scheme with a document related to "Organic farming". It appears that they are now using a German version of this text, titled "Ökologischer Landbau und weltweite Nahrungsmittelversorgung".

One of the names used is Irwin Sullivan, email address [email protected]

See the original July 2019 report here: [29]

May 2020

May 3, 2020: Impersonation of ProZ.com user Amélie Damerval

A report has been received of a person impersonating a translator. The aim of this is using the professional services of other translators without paying for them. The scammer presented themselves as Amélie Damerval, and is using the email address [email protected]. Below is one of the emails sent, which seems to indicate they are part of the group of scammers reported here:

Subject: [ProZ.com mail] Are you available for translation?
Hello,
I would like to know if you are available to translate a
document from French to English.
Thank you

Subject: Re: [ProZ.com mail] Are you available for translation?
Hello,
Here is a copy of the first part of the document. The second
part is yet to be concluded and will sent to you as soon as
it is completed.
Kindly get back to me with the total cost for this
translation and your delivery time frame.
Thank you

Subject: Re: [ProZ.com mail] Are you available for translation?
Hello,
Your price seems relatively low when compared to other translator and I really do appreciate that. Your total of XXXXlooks very good with your delivery time. To make this easier for both parties, you will receive a 50% deposit upfront  to start and and the balance upon completion of the project. If this works for you, kindly get back to me with the details below so that the payment can be facilitated via wire transfer / direct deposit or by check as soon as possible.

For wire transfer / direct deposit
Bank Name:
Bank Address:
Beneficiary Address:
Name of Beneficiary:
Account number:
Routing Number:
Phone number:

For Check
Your full name as it should appear on the check
Address:
Phone number:

May 3, 2020: Advance payment / overpayment scam: "Analytical paper on the economic scale and growth of the collaborative economy France"

A scammer is contacting translators and offering an advance payment in order to wire them fake checks and then request a refund due to overpayment issues. The scammer uses mainly @gmail.com email addresses. The document sent for translation is titled "Analytical paper on the economic scale and growth of the collaborative economy France". This seems to be the same scam reported on July 2019 here, but with a new source text.

One of the email addresses being used is [email protected].

April 2020

April 29, 2020: Overpayment scam - user "westpremfish"

A scammer is contacting translators from profile https://www.proz.com/profile/2919151 (now removed) with a fake proposal in order to run an overpayment scam. The email address reported is [email protected] and the names used are John Leonard and Laura Kratohwil. The emails received by the translators are as follow:

Good Day, and hope you are doing great? I need a document translated from English into Italian. Kindly get back if available

Hello, Thank you for getting back to me. Please find attached the document, check the word count and get back to me with your charges/quote, so we can proceed afterwards. I will need it ready in a month from now. Regards.

Good then. I already discussed with my sponsor about this and was told to send your details so they can get 75% of the payment to you via check and send you the balance as soon as you are done. Kindly get back to me with the details below so they can mail out a check to you for your payment by Monday.
Full Name:
Mailing Address:
Cell number:
Regards.
Admin.
John Leonard.

April 21, 2020: Impersonation of ProZ.com user Charlotte Grélot

April 19, 2020: Impersonation of ProZ.com user Chafia Hamadache

A report has been received of a person impersonating a translator. The aim of this is using the professional services of other translators without paying for them. The scammer presented themselves as Chafia Hamadache and used the following email address: [email protected]. The real Chafia reported the impersonation here: [30]

April 7, 2020: Usako International scam

A report was received about a cryptocurrency mining scam from Usako International. Their website is https://usakointernational.site.live/ which is currently down and gives an error. They are using free email service usako.net and the following emails: [email protected] , [email protected] .

Original payment methods indicated by the scammer are Paypal and Integrators. Once the job is delivered, they are claiming that PayPal is not working at the moment and ask the victim to download from a website called "Goodys Store" https://goodys-store.simdif.com/ (from some other resources Google Play) an application called "Green Pay Global".

March 2020

March 29, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent "Wockhardt"

A scammer pretending to represent the Pharmaceutical company "Wockhardt" has been reported to ProZ.com staff. This appears to be a "pay to work" scam, in which the scammer asks that you purchase software in order to start working.

The legitimate company uses the domain @wockhardt.com. The scammer uses the fake email domain @wockardt.com (note the missing h), as well as @gmail.com accounts. The messages resemble the following:

COMPANY: WOCKHARDT PHARMACEUTICALS AND BIOTECHNOLOGY .
Job Type: Part-Time, Full-Time, Freelancer.
Hourly Rate: $65/Hour-$65/Hour.
Training Rate: $45/Hour.
Location: Work from Home.
If interested, follow the steps below to schedule your interview session:
You've been assigned to JOEL WILLIAM (Hiring Coordinator) of WOCKHARDT, he would be conducting an online interview with you.
To contact him, set up a screen name via Google Hangout and add up the Company Hiring Manager([email protected]) and instant message him to proceed with the job interview
Interview Scheduled: Mondays - Fridays
Venue: Online Via Google Hangouts
Time : 9:00 AM-6:00 PM EST
Training is available.
Your verification code is (TRA/WK11_11). This would serve as your identification number throughout the online hiring process. This is an online work from home and working hours are flexible.

March 13, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent "A Tradimillenium Lda"

A scammer pretending to represent the translation company "A Tradimillenium Lda" has been reported to ProZ.com staff. The legitimate company uses the domain @tradimillenium.com and @net.vodafone.pt.

The scammer uses the fake email address [email protected] and the email signature of Anne Miranda, but with the fake email address and a phone number that doesn't match the one used in the real signature or their website: http://tradimillenium.com/en/contact/

March 2, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent "Tone Translate"

A scammer pretending to represent the translation company "Tone Translate" has been reported to ProZ.com staff. The legitimate company uses the domain @tonetranslate.com as per their website: https://www.tonetranslate.com/

The scammer uses the fake domain @tonetrnslate.com (note the missing a). The reported email was [email protected].

March 2, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent "OrdenTop"

A scammer pretending to represent the translation agency "OrdenTop" has been reported. The Blue Board record for the legitimate organization is at https://www.proz.com/blueboard/50848 and their legitimate domain is @ordentop.com. The scammer uses email addresses [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], etc. Please note that the spelling is different, and the company does not use free email addresses.

February 2020

February 18, 2020: Advance payment / overpayment scam targeting French translators

A scammer or group of scammers are contacting French-speaking translators with a fake job proposal to translate into English some documents to use for a presentation. The two specific emails reported so far have been [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected]. The messages have been the following:

Bonjour,
je m'appelle Claude GUION, je suis assistant social. J'ai eu vos coordonnÃ©es sur pole emploi en recherchant un traducteur. Actuellement en voyage Ã  Munich, j'aurai besoin de vous pour la traduction d'un document d'environ 20 pages du franÃ§ais vers l'anglais pour une prÃ©sentation. Le document porte essentiellement sur le bÃ©nÃ©volat-volontariat. Si cela relÃ¨ve de vos compÃ©tences, je serai ravis de vous envoyer le document pour une estimation du prix.
Cordialement.
Claude GUION

Bonjour,
je m'appelle Henrie Hart, je dispense des cours de gestion en Marketing. J'ai eu vos coordonnées sur internet en recherchant un traducteur. Actuellement en voyage à Séville, j'aurai besoin de vous pour la traduction d'un document d'environ 20 pages du français vers l'anglais pour une présentation. Si cela relève de vos compétences, je serai ravis de vous envoyer le document pour un devis.
Cordialement
Henrie

Subject: Projet de traduction
More... Bonjour, Je vous contacte pour la traduction d'un document (version française) en plusieurs langues étrangères. Dans l'attente d'un retour, veuillez spécifier votre combinaison linguistique. Cordialement.
Délégué Commercial

February 13, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent "Access Translations"

A scammer pretending to represent company "Access Translations" has been reported. The Blue Board record for the legitimate organization is at https://www.proz.com/blueboard/381 . The scammer uses email addresses [email protected] , [email protected] (without "S" in translation.com) and [email protected] (does not belong to company).

February 9, 2020: Pay-to-work scam by AOSC International

As reported on July 2019, [31], a company called AOSC International is offering long-term translation contracts under the condition of a 1000USD upfront payment as a "service guarantee". Everything indicates that this is a "pay to work" scam, where the victim is asked to pay first as condition for getting access to an attractive job offer.

A ProZ.com member has recently reported that AOSC International is contacting translators again with the same scam. This is the email reported:

Hello! AOSC General Trading LLP is an international corporate group. Site: https://www.aosc.international
We are planning to translate Ready PA LLC (website) into 6 languages: French - Spanish - German - Russian - Italian - Portuguese
Looking for translators (part time/online). Example of data (ideal profile): https://www.readypa.com/rpa-ideal-profile 
*All Ready PA LLC profiles (28951 till now) are approximately the same number of words.
Please send your offer (translation rate) based on below points:
- One Year Service Agreement (able to renew)
- Type of service agreement: Service Level Agreement (Individual only)
- Weekly Payment (in USD) against an official invoice
- PayPal Business or Bank Transfer
- Translating Ready PA LLC profiles (text only, no videos/subtitling)
- Web translation system: word-by-word editing (translation vs. source)
- Translation rate/fee should be per profile and not per hour or per word
- Main pages of the site will be translated by a translation agency based in New York
- Flexible working hours (open working hours/to be discussed with the HR)
- Starting Date: ASAP
To submit your offer (translation rate per profile) and book an interview please fill the job application form, go to: https://www.aosc.international/jobs
Under Notes please write your translation rate (in USD) per profile
Note: The job description and service agreement (terms and conditions) will be discussed with the applicant after accepting the job application and during the interview. Your job application must be submitted before 02:00 PM (New York City time), Thursday 06/Feb/2020. 
Important Note: the company is planning to add to the site (Ready PA LLC) more 2 languages out of 7 additional languages (Dutch - Polish - Arabic - Swedish - Czech - Danish - Finnish) but, after reviewing the total cost of our current plan (6 languages) and after calculating the final budget.
Regards, Kevin Bennett Technical Support Manager

February 5, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent Jonckers

A report has been received of a person that is contacting translators passing as an employee of Jonckers. They use a modified signature and the fake name "Cathy Muriinova", email address [email protected]. Note that the emails used by the legitimate company all have the domain @jonckers.com. The Blue Board for the legitimate organization is at https://www.proz.com/blueboard/361

January 2020

January 9, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent Doyn/Doyeen Consultant UK

A report has been received of a person that is contacting translators passing as a project manager of Doyn/Doyeen Consultant UK. They use a modified signature and the email address [email protected]. Note that the email used by the legitimate company is [email protected] and assign jobs through the vendor management portal Protemos. The Blue Board for the legitimate organization is at https://www.proz.com/blueboard/52735

January 24, 2020: Impersonation of ProZ.com member Krys Williams / Stolen CV

A report has been received of a person impersonating a translator and using her CV to contact outsourcers. The impersonator used the following email addresses: [email protected] , [email protected] and Krys Williams' previous domain tehuti.co.uk .

2019

December 2019

December 15, 2019: Scammer pretending to represent D&T Translations

A report has been received of a person that is contacting translators passing as a project manager of D&T Translations. They use the email address [email protected]. Note that the domain used by the legitimate company is @dttranslations.com. The Blue Board for the legitimate organization is at https://www.proz.com/blueboard/49420

November 2019

November 15, 2019: Scammer pretending to represent Translit

A report has been received of a person that is contacting translators passing as a project manager of Translit. They use the email addresses [email protected] and [email protected]транс-лит.рф. Note that the domain used by the legitimate company is @trans-lit.ru. The Blue Board for the legitimate organization is at https://www.proz.com/blueboard/31348

November 13, 2019: Scammer using fake profiles

A report has been received of a person that is contacting agencies under the name Bodil Bjordal with information stolen from other professionals' CVs and legitimate businesses' addresses. The email address they are using is [email protected]. Other possible names related to this case are Peter Beyer and Shigeru Tsuji, using the email addresses [email protected] and [email protected].

It is possible that the names belong to legitimate professionals, who may not be related to this scam.

November 13, 2019: Scammer pretending to represent Studio Gentile SARL

A report has been received of a person that is contacting translators passing as an employee or representative of Studio Gentile SARL. They use the email address [email protected]. The Blue Board for the legitimate organization is at https://www.proz.com/blueboard/7499

November 6, 2019: Advance payment / overpayment scam

A report [32] has been received of a person carrying out an advance payment scam under the name Joy Mazur. This person contacted freelancers to offer them translation jobs in different language pairs; this person would offer an advance payment and then ask freelancers to transfer back the excess amount. For more information on this type of scam, see: [33]

The document to be translated was 17 pages and 11 730 words long and titled Support of workplace diversity policies: The role of race, gender, and beliefs about inequality.

October 2019

October 31, 2019: Scammer pretending to represent Amero Communications

A report has been received of a person that is contacting translators acting as Amero Communications. Please note that the company uses the official domain @amero.ca Please see their report on the Scams forum: [34]

October 30, 2019: Scammer pretending to represent Wawasan Destiny Resources

A report has been received of a person that is contacting translators acting as an Wawasan Destiny Resources Project Manager. The email address used is: [email protected] Please note the email domain of the legitimate business is wawasandestinynow.com, while this impersonator has been using wawasandsetinynow.com

October 11, 2019: Scammer pretending to represent Lingvo 24

A report has been received of a person that is contacting translators passing as Yana Dontsova/Natana, from Lingvo 24. They use the email address domain @lingivo24.info and an email signature with the name and title job of Yana Dontsova/Natana, a PM from Lingvo 24.

Note that the email domain of the legitimate business is @lingvo24.info, without the extra i. The Blue Board for the legitimate organization is at https://www.proz.com/blueboard/38675

September 2019

September 30, 2019: Advance payment / overpayment scam

A report has been received of a person carrying out an advance payment scam under the name Mervyn Rundle. This person contacted freelancers to offer them translation jobs; this person would offer an advance payment and then ask freelancers to transfer back the excess amount. For more information, see: [35]

The email address used was: [email protected]

September 26, 2019: Advance payment / overpayment scam

A report has been received of a person carrying out an advance payment scam under the name Sarah Chivel. This person contacted freelancers to offer them translation jobs; this person would offer an advance payment and then ask freelancers to transfer back the excess amount. For more information, see: [36]

The email address used was: [email protected]

September 23, 2019: Scammer pretending to represent Translation agency Lexithiria (Margarita Ioannidou)

A report has been received of a person that is contacting translators passing as Margarita Ioannidou, from Translation agency Lexithiria. They use the email address [email protected] and an email signature with the name and title job of Margarita Ioannidou, along with the fake email address and phone numbers that do not match those present in the company website http://www.lexithiria.com

Note that the email domains of the legitimate business are @otenet.gr and @lexithiria.com. The Blue Board for the legitimate organization is at https://www.proz.com/blueboard/12847

September 13, 2019: Impersonation of ProZ.com member Sara Ouaguenouni

A report has been received of a person impersonating a translator. The aim of this is using the professional services of a translator without paying for them. The scammer presented themselves as Sara Ouaguenouni and used the following email address: [email protected]. They used the scam template reported here: [[37]]

September 12, 2019: Impersonation of ProZ.com member Viviana Paddrik

A report has been received of a person impersonating a translator. The aim of this is using the professional services of a translator without paying for them. The scammer presented themselves as Viviana Paddrik and used the following email address: [email protected].

The message the scammer sent to the translators was

Hello, I need to urgently translate a document from English to Spanish Kindly confirm your availability. Thank you

September 11, 2019: Scammer pretending to represent Wordminds Translations

A report has been received of a person that is contacting translators passing as an employee of Wordminds Translations. They use the email address [email protected]. They use an email signature with the name and title job of an employee.

Note that the email domain of the legitimate business is @wordminds.com The Blue Board for the legitimate organization is at https://www.proz.com/blueboard/41437 .

September 03, 2018: Advance payment / overpayment scam: translation of "Search for Philip K. Dick"

A report has been received of a person or group carrying out a fake check/overpayment scam under multiple names. Among others, Davila Andres, Johann Klimt, Jenniffer Belcher and Thomas Raul Manor. The scammer will ask for a translation of "Search for Philip K. Dick" by Anne R. Dick, agree to a 50% advance payment, then wire a fake check and ask freelancers to transfer back the excess amount. For more information, see: [38]

See reports on the forums: [39] [40]

Some of the reported email addresses include: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

September 03, 2018: Advance payment / overpayment scam

A report has been received of a person carrying out an advance payment scam under the name John. This person contacted freelancers to offer them translation jobs; this person would offer an advance payment and then ask freelancers to transfer back the excess amount. For more information, see: [41]

The email address used was: [email protected]

August 2019

August 30, 2019: Scammer pretending to represent Bright Translations

A report has been received of a person that is contacting translators passing as an employee of Bright Translations. They use the email address [email protected]. They use an email signature with the name of an employee. The subject line is used in similar impersonation scams, "Official assignment for the [LANGUAGE] Translation, Job no [NUMBER]".

Note that the email domain of the legitimate business is @bright.es The Blue Board for the legitimate organization is at https://www.proz.com/blueboard/49883 .

August 29, 2019: Scammer pretending to represent Asian Trust Translation

A report has been received of a person that is contacting translators passing as a past employee of Asian Trust Translation. They use the email addresses [email protected]. They use an email signature with the name and picture of a past employee. The subject line is used in similar impersonation scams, "Officials assignment for the [LANGUAGE] Translation, Job no [NUMBER]".

Note that the email domain of the legitimate business is @asiantrust.net The Blue Board for the legitimate organization is at https://www.proz.com/blueboard/45371 .

August 29, 2019: Scammer pretending to represent Zamenhof Translation Services

A report has been received of a person that is contacting translators passing as an employee or representative of Zamenhof Translation Services. They use the email addresses [email protected] and [email protected]. Note that the email domain of the legitimate business is @zamenhof.co.il The Blue Board for the legitimate organization is at https://www.proz.com/blueboard/23245

August 27, 2019: Scammer pretending to represent Bayer Pharmaceutical / Penguin Random House

A scammer/s is contacting translators about a Hangouts/Skype interview. According to reports, it seems that the scammer/s "interview" translators, then hire them, but first the translator has to purchase software for a 5 day trial. In some cases, this same pattern is used to conduct an overpayment scam with fake checks.

Sometimes they use Gmail addresses, other times they purchase domains that are somewhat similar to Bayer and Penguin's. Some of the reported email addresses include: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected].

August 26, 2019: Advance payment / impersonation of ProZ.com member: translation of Research Project on Agricultural reforms in EU

A scammer/s is contacting translators requesting the translation of a document titled "Research Project on Agricultural reforms in EU". They offer advance payment and request payment details.

They use the email addresses [email protected] , [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected] among others. Some of the names used include "Gülnihal Zora Teke", "Véronique Guider", "Natasha Liberman" and "Ludovic Segura" (all names belong to legitimate professionals, not related to this scam) as well as "Anna Smith" and "Jean Poulmarch".

One of the impersonated members has reported that his name is being used wrongfully here: [42]

This report was last updated on May 2020.

August 16, 2019: Advance payment / overpayment scam

A scammer is contacting translators with emails resembling the following:

Good Afternoon to you i really do want to know if you still translate as a job kindly get back to me through my email to let you know what job i have for you in respect of my personal [email protected] Regards

Thanks for the email and also the fee it is quite ok for me kindly drop this details for me to get you 50% then after you are done i will balance up thanks Bank name: Account name: Account number: IBAN: BIC: Bank Address: Regards Joyce

The scammer uses email address [email protected]

August 5, 2019: Scammer pretending to represent "Wilkens"

A report has been received of a person impersonating an employee of Wilkens. The Blue Board record for the legitimate organization is at https://www.proz.com/blueboard/14232 . The email addresses being used are [email protected] or with domain @wiilkens.be. Note that the email domain of the legitimate business is @wilkens.be

August 4, 2019: Advance payment / overpayment scam

A report has been received of a person carrying out an advance payment scam. The scammer's email address is [email protected].

August 3, 2019: Advance payment / overpayment scam

A report has been received of a person carrying out an advance payment scam. This seems to be related to the scam reported here:

[[43]]
[[44]]

Some of the reported addresses include [email protected] and [email protected]. The scammer's emails read:

Richard Lees ([email protected]) IP: 69.167.44.176
Subject: Translator Needed
Good day , I would like to know if you will be able to translate a document am to use for a presentation.

July 2019

July 21, 2019: Advance payment / overpayment scam: translation of a development lecture on organic farming

A report has been received of a person or group carrying out an advance payment scam under the pretense of a "community development lecture on organic farming". The scammer would contact freelancers to offer them translation jobs; then would send a bad check and then ask freelancers to transfer back the excess amount. The scammer uses different names and addresses, but the opening email would be similar to this:

Can I submit my document for translation from English to Turkish? And are you free to handle it right now? Its a community development lecture On Organic Farming which i organize to support the youth going into farming and animal production as a business and i want it translated/submitted before July 30th. Please respond back if you can meet up with this deadline.

Reported email addresses include: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

July 05, 2019: Pay-to-work scam by AOSC International

At the end of June, a ProZ.com member reported via the support center that a company called AOSC International, who had contacted her through a job posting at ProZ.com, offered her attractive work with the condition that she paid 1000 USD as "service guarantee".

This seems to be a classic “pay to work” scam, where the victim is asked to pay first as condition for getting access to an attractive job offer. Further investigation showed that the scam had originally been reported at Reddit: [45]

Some emails used are: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

July 04, 2019: Advance payment / overpayment scam

A scammer is contacting translators with emails resembling the following:

We are interested in securing your service for our project. Please confirm your availability and I will be sending you document to consider for an estimate. We have Spanish project document to translate into English. Thank you.

Scammer creates dummy ProZ.com profiles in order to mass-email translators. The profiles are being removed as they are spotted.

July 03, 2019: Scammer pretending to represent "Accent Multilingual"

A scammer pretending to represent company "Accent Multilingual" has been reported. The Blue Board record for the legitimate organization is at https://www.proz.com/blueboard/5327 . The scammer uses email address [email protected]. Note that the legitimate organization only communicates using their company domain, @accentmultilingual.com.

July 01, 2019: Advance payment / overpayment scam: Public Organisations Procedures Research

The document sent for translation is titled "PUBLIC ORGANISATIONS PROCEDURES RESEARCH" and the emails resemble the following:

Hello, I´m contacting you in regard to an English content document worth 11,643 words (44 Pages). I need this document translated into Hebrew . I would like to know if you are interested and available to get this done for me. Please get back to me as soon as you can via email. Thank you.

The document to be translated into English is attached to this email. he document is worth 12,724 words / 48 pages. Could you confirm your charges per page, per source word or for the entire translation. My budget per word rate is $0.16 subject to your price quote. The deadline for this Project is 1 month starting from March 2, 2020. Kindly get back to as soon as possible to discuss further on this project. What would be your preferred mode of payment because I'm proposing certified bank draft, cashier's check or bank certified check ? Please do not hesitate to confirm if this is okay with you? I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.

Hello, My name is Nancy, I´m contacting you in regard to an English, content document with 11,643 words (44 Pages). I need this document translated to Spanish. I would like to know if you are interested and available to get this done for me. Please get back to me as soon as you can. Thank you.

Hello, I am so sorry for the delay, there is death in the family of my sponsor so i have little delay. I hope the project is in progress? But I am happy to inform you that your payment has been mailed out to you by my sponsor and have been delivered already. Also, we discussed about considering you for the next phase of this project, but I need to be sure the first phase will be well translated. The additional fee for the next phase of the project was added. We've calculated the next phase with your rate,  so the first phase and the next document will cost us $3950 and that is the amount on the check. We don't have much time now and here is the information.... Kindly confirm with me as soon as you receive the payment. I hope to hear from you soon.

Hello, There is death in the family of my sponsor, so we are going to have a little delay with the Phase 2 Due to the incident of my sponsor. I just received a message from the Management that the Phase 2 should be withheld and postponed till 2nd week of November, 2019. The Phase 1 would be used for the first part of the seminar coming up July 2019 and the Phase 2 is for the second part of the seminar coming up in November. For this reason, we would only work on the phase 1 for now and get it ready before the due date. Please I want you to take all your full payments for the phase 1, I'm giving you $100 more for your stress and your extra time for the work. And for the remaining money for the Phase 2, Kindly make a deposit of the phase 2 money to the account of the sponsor......I will send you the account details shortly thank you!

This entry was last updated on October 30th, 2019. You can read more about this type of scam here: [46]

For more details about this scam, follow the forum discussion at ProZ.com's Scams forum: [47]

June 2019

June 27, 2019: Scammer pretending to represent "Kelemen Co"

A scammer pretending to represent company "Kelemen & Company" has been reported. The company's domain is www.http://kelemenco.com. The scammer uses email address [email protected]. The legitimate email is [email protected]Co.com (with a 'c').

June 27, 2019: Advance payment / overpayment scam

A scammer is contacting translators with simple texts downloaded from homework webpages in order to conduct an overpayment scam. You can read more about this type of scam here: [48] Emails shared read:

I'm contacting you in regard to an Spanish content document with 12,750 words words (44 Pages). I need this document translated to English. I would like to know if you are interested please get back to me asap thanks

I quite agree with your price quote and I am willing to pay for your service. This project is a research paper being sponsor for a seminar coming up soon, so I would like to make an advance payment or make the full payment so you know you have my job with you but the payment can only made by CHEQUE and is Within the US only, do get back to me with the following payment information in the format below. 1. Full Name to be written on the Cheque 2. Full Physical Address: 3. Mobile number . Your payment will be prepared once I have the requested details. Payment will be received before you send the document. Get back to me asap

The scammer uses email address [email protected].

June 26, 2019: Scammer pretending to represent "Mother Tongue"

A scammer pretending to represent company "Mother Tongue" has been reported. The Blue Board record for the legitimate organization is at https://www.proz.com/blueboard/68 . The scammer uses email address [email protected]. The legitimate email is [email protected]Ongue.com (with an 'o').

June 17, 2019: Scammer pretending to represent "Lexicon Services"

A scammer pretending to represent company "Lexicon Services" has been reported. The Blue Board record for the legitimate organization is at https://www.proz.com/blueboard/43067 . The scammer uses email address [email protected]. The legitimate email is lexiconservicesales@gmail.com (with an "s").

May 2019

May 24, 2019: Continued impersonation of ProZ.com member Michael Beijer

ProZ.com member Michael Beijer, https://www.proz.com/profile/652138 , has reported that his name is being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The email address used by the scammer is [email protected]. This is the third alert about this case of impersonation.

May 24, 2019: Continued impersonation of ProZ.com member Amanda Fearnley

ProZ.com member Amanda Fearnley, http://www.proz.com/profile/1491380 , has reported that her name is being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The email address used by the scammer is [email protected]. This is the third alert about this case of impersonation. The scammer is still active using the same set of contact information.

April 2019

April 18, 2019: Impersonation of ProZ.com member Karim Romero

A report has been received of a person impersonating a translator and outsourcer. The aim of this is using the professional services of a translator without paying for them. The scammer used presented themselves as Karim Romero ( [49] ) and used the following email address [email protected]. The email of the legitimate person is certranslations[email protected] (with an "s").

April 04, 2019: Scammer pretending to represent Avanta Translating

A scammer pretending to represent company Avanta Translating has been reported. The Blue Board record for the legitimate organization is at [50]. The scammer uses email address domain name @avanta-translate.ru (note the similarity to avanta-translating.com, a legitimate domain).

April 04, 2019: Impersonation of ProZ.com user Francesca Reale

A report was received of a person who impersonated a ProZ.com user. This person used this user's CV and photo and contacted outsourcers. This scammer was impersonating the real profile [51]. The email address used by the fraudulent user was [email protected]. This case has been reported to the corresponding authorities.

March 2019

March 22, 2019: Scammer pretending to represent "Certified Language Solutions LLC"

A scammer pretending to represent company "Certified Language Solutions LLC" has been reported. The Blue Board record for the legitimate organization is at [52]. The scammer uses email address [email protected] (note the similarity to @certranslations.com , a legitimate domain). Note that Karim Romero is the name of a legitimate project manager working for Certified Language Solutions LLC.

February 2019

February 4, 2019: Advance payment scam targeting French translators

A report has been received of an advance payment scam targeting French translators. The scammers are sending messages under the names Nancy Record, Bernard Gatewood and Charles Lincoln, but other names may be used as well. The message is as follows:

Êtes-vous disponible pour traduire des documents texte très bientôt? Je lis votre profil de traducteur, très satisfait et je voudrais que vous traduisiez pour moi pourquoi je vous ai choisi. J'ai peu de documents à traduire d'French en Italian pour la présentation de mon prochain événement. Dès que je recevrai votre réponse, je vous enverrai le document pour visualiser et négocier le prix, ainsi que le
meilleur délai de livraison que vous pourrez obtenir dans les meilleurs délais. Faites-moi savoir quand vous êtes disponible dès que possible aujourd'hui. Merci pour votre temps, votre compréhension et passez une bonne journée. Cordialement

The email addresses used are [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected], but again, other email addresses may be used as well.

For more information about advance payment scams, see: [53]

February 1, 2019: Advance payment scam

A report has been received of an advance payment scam. This seems to be related to the scam reported here [[54]]. It is likely that the same individual or group is sending these emails. This is one of the emails sent:

Good day , I would like to know if you will be able to translate a document am to use for a presentation in 2 weeks. You will be translating from English to Polish. if you are availabe you can send me text on (619) 413-7285 thanks

Please, ignore or delete any email similar to this one.

January 2019

January 31, 2019: Scammer pretending to represent AKM-BECT

A report has been received of a person or group of individuals impersonating a project manager of the translation agency АКМ-ВЕСТ. The impersonator registered the domain www.akm-west.ru and used the email address [email protected] to contact translators. This impersonator also created a profile with the name of the company [55] (now deleted) and used their logo as well. Note that the real webpage is www.akmw.ru and their real profile is at [56].

The goal of this scam is to pass a translation job a freelancer and steal the final translation. That means that there is no intention to steal money or data. For more information about this type of scam, you can read: [57]

January 30, 2019: Customs duty payment scam

A report has been received of a person impersonating a Facebook employee passing on a translation project with an extremely generous compensation. This is an example of the message received by a translator:

Hello Translator, I am Roy Nicolas,Facebook Foreign Language Consultant. We are pleased to inform you that you have been chosen at random to translate the Facebook Updated Privacy Policy content to your local language. The Facebook Updated Privacy Policy is an English content document which Facebook wants to make available to every user in every country worldwide in their respective languages. In view of this, a random selection of translators and interpreters was selected from different online platforms and directories worldwide to participate in this project. You have been chosen you as one of the translators to undertake this task. I say a congratulations to you. Please note that this project is not advertised on Facebook or any social media platform. Facebook wants this translation done discretely hence the need to choose translators at random. Secondly, the influx of translators and interpreters needs to be strictly controlled, advertising the project would create online chaos because of the benefits that comes with this project. That said, I besiege you to handle this project with utmost secrecy and discretion until completion.
The following benefits come with the Facebook Updated Privacy Translation Project
#1 A once off cash payment package of USD 25,000 to start the project translation.
#2 Special Facebook Account to advertise your business worldwide.
#3 $5,000 monthly cash disbursement to you.
#4 Facebook Marketplace Translator contract.
#5 All expenses paid trip to any holiday destination of your choice anywhere in the world.
This is your Unique Translator Code (UTC) 0079678FBPPTP998. This is a
unique code for you alone. Please keep this code and do not reveal it
to anybody.
To keep this project under the radar, the once off payment package of USD 25,000 is to be delivered to you by courier. This is because you are in a different country and the fastest and easiest way to get the payment to you is by cash. The package will be mailed through one of
the international courier companies. This process has been out-sourced to one of our local subsidiaries in here in the United States. They will manage the process of tagging,packaging,securing and safe delivery of the package to your address. Please contact Mrs Carolyn Andolini the Head, Logistics and Shipping of our subsidiary to further arrange the delivery of the document and the once off initial payment of USD 25,000 to your address. Carolyn can be reached by email at [email protected]m or +1 614-664-6905.
Congratulations once again.
Roy Nicolas
Facebook
'''Contact email: [email protected]
Contact name: Roy Nicolas'''

The scammer is not interested in the translation project (it is barely mentioned in the offer). After accepting the job, the translator will receive a phone call or email from the scammer impersonating an agent from the US Customs facility or a federal agent requesting payment for clearance and delivery of the package mentioned in the job offer. When inquired about this fee, the scammer will reply that they will refund all the fees. The translator will be instructed to send the payment to a personal bank account. After the payment is made, the scammer will insist that further payments are needed for one reason or the other.

January 15, 2019: Scammer pretending to represent Dorothy Translations

A report has been received of a person impersonating a translator and outsourcer. The aim of this is using the professional services of a translator without paying for them. The scammer used presented themselves as Dorothy Translations [58] and used the following email address [email protected]. The email domain of the legitimate business is @dorothy-translations.com. Note that the scammer used a free email domain.

January 15, 2019: Advance payment / overpayment scam

A report has been received of a person carrying out an advance payment scam under the name Christopher Robin. This person contacted freelancers to offer them translation jobs; this person would offer an advance payment and then ask freelancers to transfer back the excess amount. For more information, see: https://www.proz.com/about/translator-scam-alerts#advance_payment_overpayment_scam. This scam may be connected to the scams reported on December 5, 2018 and December 21, 2018. In this case the communication was held entirely in French (note the similarity with the previous scams reported).

Bonjour, J'aimerais savoir si vous êtes disponible pour traduire un document du français vers le russe Je vous remercie

After the translator accepted the job, the scammer proposed a 50% advance payment.

Votre prix semble relativement bas comparé à d'autres traducteurs et he l'apprécie vraiment. Je veux une traduction parfaite et précise. 50% du paiement (1 400 euros) seron envoyés à l'avance afin que vous puissiez procéder à la traduction dès que vous recevez le paiement et le solde à la fin du projet. Si vous acceptez 50% dès le départ, ma méthode de paiement préferée consiste à effectuer un virement bancaire ou un virement bancaire sur votre compte. Tout ce dont vous avez besoin maintenant, ce sont vos coordonnées bancaires. 
Pour virement bancaire / virement bancaire
Nom de banque:
Adresse postale de la banque:
Nom du compte:
Numéro de compte:
Numéro IBAN:
Je vais envoyer un bon de commande. avant que le paiement soit effectué

Then the scammer proceeded to tell the translator that they had sent the wrong amount:

Je tiens simplement à vous informer que le paiement à été effectué, mais il semble y avoir une confusion entre le montant qui vous a été envoyé. Je verrai la situation et vous recontacterai dès que possible demain.

Finally, the scammer requested that the funds be transferred back:

J'aimerais savoir si les fonds sont disponibles maintenant afin de que nous puissions régler la différence avec la planificatrice d'événements car elle a besoin urgent d'argent. Veuillez me recontacter dès que possible.

The email address used for this scam was [email protected].

The company issuing the check was [59]

2018

December 2018

December 26, 2018: Impersonation of ProZ.com member Nicholas Constantinou

ProZ.com member Nicholas Constantinou [60], has reported that his CV and name are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The email addresses used by the scammer are [email protected] and [email protected]

December 21, 2018: Advance payment / overpayment scam

This is another advance payment report. It's part of the overpayment scam in the section below (December 5, 2018). This new report adds more information to the previous one. Advance payment scams convince freelancers that a payment has been made (often in advance) for their services. The amount paid exceeds the amount due, so the scammer asks translators to transfer back the difference. Since the original payment is deposited via a fraudulent check, the funds are deducted from the freelancer's account once the check bounces. This is an email received by a translator informing them that an erroneous payment has been made:

Good morning [translator],  I just want to let you know the payment has been made but there seems to be a mix-up. I will see to the situation and get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you for your time, patience and understanding

A few days later, this email was received:

It was just confirmed to me the amount you will be getting is 9975.17 euros, so do watch out for the deposit in your account and let me know as soon as the money hits so we can sort out the difference

When the translator informed the scammer that they could not immediately transfer the funds back, the scammer tried to persuade the translator:

Please i need you you to understand certain things on how we can make this work as my work seems to be on the like here. Things seems to be behinds on schedule with the mix-up as the planner only has €400 to proceed with what she has to do with the €9975.17 so i manage to calm her down and let her know she will get the difference so if you cancel the transaction now then am finished. Am just trying to recover from the death of my son and its what i make of this job that my family live on. I will appreciate you deduct the €400 advance payment and send the balance to the planner or send the whole amount back to me. I want you to know as a mother i will do the same for you if you were to be in my shoes. Let me know what best works for you to transfer the money back either to me or the planner and i can send you the account details. Thank you and have a wonderful night rest till i hear from you again

The bank started suspecting that this could be a scam, so they cancelled any money transfer until the check had been cashed successfully (which never happened). At that point the scammer tried to persuade the translator of using an alternative money transfer method.

Here is what i think we can do, you try to transfer it online by doing your limit for the day if you can not send all at once, but i think you should be able to do it all at one as far as the bank get their charges.

I just want you to know we are having issues with the previous account i sent you and will want the money to be sent to the account below to avoid any issue. Thank you so much for your time and hope to hear back from you with the payment confirmation as soon as you can tomorrow. Thank you
Bank name: Banco Sabadell.
Holder: Desmond Omozusi Aikhionbare
IBAN: ES06-0081-4320-8800-0127-6236
BIC: BSABESBB
Bank address: Avenida castilla 26,19002 Guadalajara Madrid Spain.

Can you make western union or money gram?? You can do this for me, take the cash and go to the office and do it for me today then do another one tomorrow and next tomorrow till we are done. So sorry about the stress for you You can do 2500 today and another 2500 tomorrow and you can do the last one at the bank on Thursday. But please send me the payment confirmation a son as you are done

At no point was there any real interest in the translation. Both Western Union and the bank refused to make the transference as the situation was too dubious.

Names associated to this scam: Regina Slaughter

Email addresses associated to this scam: [email protected]

December 5, 2018: Advance payment / overpayment scam

A report has been received of a person carrying out an advance payment scam under the name Capt. K. McKenzie. This person contacted freelancers to offer them translation jobs; this person would offer an advance payment and then ask freelancers to transfer back the excess amount. For more information, see: [61]

The email address used was: [email protected]

This is one of the messages sent:

Hello, I just read your translator profile and how are you doing [user]?

I would like to know if you will be able to translate a document am to use for a presentation in the
next 5 to 7 weeks from English to French. Get back to me if you are available and will be able to get
this done for me. Copy of the documents will be send to you via EMAIL upon your reply to negotiate 
the price tag. 

I awaits your quick reply back today.

Thank you for your time and enjoy the rest of your day!

Yours sincerely,
Capt. K. McKenzie

An alternative message is:

Good day ,

I would like to know if you will be able to translate a document am to use for a presentation in 3 weeks.

You will be translating from English to [your native language].

A similar messages was also reported from a person under the name Captain C. Ferguson. This person used the following email address: [email protected]

The message sent was:

Hello [user],

Can you translate a document for me? Wow, i am reading through your ProZ.com translator profile
 and very satisfied with your profile.

I have chosen you for this job. The text (document) would to be translate from English to French 
which am using for a presentation soon.

Let me know if you are available as soon as possible today.

Upon your reply i will send you the document to review and to negotiate price, and best delivery time
 you can get done.

I am looking forward hearing from you immediately, so kindly get back to me today.

Thanks for your trust, and for your understanding.

Regards
Captain C. Ferguson

After further communication, the following -fake- information was provided:

You can start working on the documents soon.

The translation is not published but using it for my upcoming presentation and personal research purposes for an event.

 A little introduction about myself, I'm a Retired Captain of the US Marine Corps and i was formally attached to the Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 (VMGR-352) of the battalions/squadrons Marine Special Operations Team.

Here is my details for the quote/invoice: Carlos Ferguson;

3313 Prytania Street, New Orleans, LA 70115 United states.

Phone number: +1 707-754-7051

The same person or group may be behind both scams.

In both cases the person contacting the translator will insist on obtaining the bank account information necessary to make the -fraudulent- advance payment. This is necessary to reach to the next step, which is informing the translator that an overpayment has been made.

November 2018

November 22, 2018: CV hijacking by Mario Selwa Rossi / bigtranswork.com

A report has been received of a company called bigtranswork.com contacting translators on the site. This has been reported as a fake company involved in CV theft. You can see the full report here: [62]

In this case, the email addresses used were [email protected] and [email protected]

The message sent was:

Hello Linguist,
Greetings from big transwork company.😊
We have an ongoing translation project from EN to DA as following:
Word count: 3000 new words, more than1500 repetetions
Delivery: Word files with high quality
Deadline: 1st, Nov.2018
Payment: 30 from the invoice via PayPal
If you are interested please reply ASAP. Please note that we confirm the fastest reply. Thank you.
Kind regards,
Kristin

November 22, 2018: CV hijacking by btdic.com

A report has been received of a company called Beyond the Dictionary contacting translators on the site. This has been reported as a fake company involved in CV theft. You can see the full report here: [63]

In this case, the email address used was: [email protected]

The message sent was:

Hi All,
Hope my email finds you well!
We have a new translation job from Norwegian to English language.
It's 5 taxes files that we need them to be translaed by tomorrow at 2 pm CET. If you are interested, please reply ASAP.
Thanks and best regards,
Amani

November 9, 2018: Scammer claiming to represent Alba Translating Company

It has been reported that a person identifying himself/herself as Alexander from Alba Translating Company [64] has been contacting freelancers. The following message was received:

Name, добрый день!
Прошу предоставить расчет
стоимости перевода прилагаемого
файла с английского на русский.
Требуется обновить перевод
файла в соответствии с
обновленным каталогом.
Сохранение оригинального
оформления обязательно. В случае
вопросов пишите, пожалуйста, на
[email protected]
Александр
С уважением, Бюро переводов «Альба»
письменный перевод | устный
перевод | локализация сайтов и ПО
| верстка | консульская
легализация и апостиль 603000, г. Нижний Новгород, ул. Б.
Покровская, д. 42Б • Тел.: +7 (831)
262-10-71 • +7 (962) 335-39-38 (дежурный
менеджер Илья) •
http://www.alba-translating.ru

Note that the email address domain is alba-translate.ru and the actual domain of the legitimate company is alba-translating.ru (which is included in the email signature). This person is also using the name "Alexander" (Александр), which is the name of a staff member at Alba Translating Company. The fraudulent domain alba-translate.ru was registered on October 02, 2018.

October 2018

October 24, 2018: Scammer claiming to represent Ulatus

Site staff has been alerted that an individual or group has been contacting freelancers on behalf of Ulatus. The email address used by the scammer is [email protected] and under the name of Bradley Foster, who is an official representative of this company. The scammer would pass on jobs to freelancers using this company to gain credibility. The goal of this scam is to obtain translation projects delivered for free, so the scammer would continue to pass on jobs upon the promise of future payment (which would never be made). All communication from Ulatus is sent from email addresses whose domain is either @crimsoni.com or @ulatus.com.

The following alert has been posted on Ulatus website.

Any communication that is sent from Ulatus is only sent from our registered domain name @ulatus.com. No communication will be sent to any entity from, or on behalf, of an individual. In case you come across any such person(s) approaching you, please inform us at [email protected]

October 22, 2018: Scammer claiming to represent Comprehensive Language Center, Inc

Site staff has received a report of an entity impersonating the legitimate company Comprehensive Language Center, Inc. The scammer was passing translation jobs using this company for credibility. The goal was outsource translation jobs without paying for them. This individual was using the following email address: [email protected]. Note that this is a free email address. The company actually uses the following domain for their email address: @comprehensivelc.com

This is an example of a message sent to a translator from the scammer:

Hello,
I am Mihrigul Sabir from Comprehensive Language Center, We contact you to check your availability for 1 page
to translate from Slovenian to English? please let em know what is your best delivery time, and your offer rate ?
Thanks,
-- 
Mihrigul Sabir 
Project Manager 
Comprehensive Language Center 
Phone: 713-240-07968
Email:[email protected]
http://www.comprehensivelc.com/

For more information, see: [65]

October 5, 2018: Scammer claiming to represent Ramboll

A report was received of scammers impersonating the legitimate company Ramboll [66]. Scam consisted in convincing the translator that the source documents would be sent by courier and then informing them that the documents had been withheld at the customs. The translator would then have to pay a fee of 1000 USD to a fake courier service called KUB express. The translator would then pay the fees to release the documents, but the funds would go directly to the scammers. Two fake websites were created for this scam. These are suspected to be professional scammers. More information available here: [67]

September 2018

September 13, 2018: Impersonation of ProZ.com user Chalotte Andersson

A report was received of a person who impersonated a ProZ.com user. This person used this user's CV and contacted outsourcers via the jobs board. This scammer was impersonating the real profile [68]. The email address used by the fraudulent user was [email protected]. This case has been reported to the corresponding authorities.

September 13, 2018: Advance payment / overpayment scam

A report was received of a person contacting translators under the name Terry Cole. This person created a ProZ.com profile (now removed) and sent profile messages to translators. One example is the following:

Hello, My name is Terry Cole, I'm contacting you in regard to an English, content document with 11,643 words (44 Pages). I need this document translated to Polish. I would like to know if you are interested and available to get this done for me. Please get back to me as soon as you can. Thank you. Best regards 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello I'm pleased to know you are interested in handling this project. However, I will require your service to translate the attached English document to be translated to Spanish NOT POLISH, Am sorry. In the mean time, could you also confirm your charges per page, per source word or for the entire translation? The deadline for this Project is 1 month starting from 07/09/2018. Finally, what would be your preferred mode of payment? Though I'm proposing a certified bank draft, a cashier check or bank certified check. Please do not hesitate to confirm if this is okay with you? I look forward to reading from you soon. Best Regards, Terry.

The person wrote from the email address [email protected].

This scam was reported here: [https://www.proz.com/forum/scams/328511-scam_from_cole65270gmailcom_aka_terry_cole_sent_thru_prozcom_network.html

September 12, 2018: Advance payment / overpayment scam

A report was received of a person attempting to perform an advance payment scam. The person contacted a site user and offered to make an advance payment of 50%. Then contacted the translator stating that a sum ten times greater had been wired. Payment was never actually received by the translator. The scammer stopped replying. The scammer insisted that they worked for a foreign diplomat. The associated email address is [email protected], which has been banned from the site.

Here you can see a picture of the email received by the translator

September 5, 2018: Scammer claiming to represent iVisa

This seems to be an impersonation scam. A report has been received of a person who impersonates the real company iVisa. This person has tried to contact ProZ.com users repeatedly. This person uses the email address [email protected] and other similar email addresses (the dot may be placed differently and the number may be different as well).

This scam was reported here: [69]

This is an example of an email sent to a ProZ.com user.

iVisa needs translators who can translate user interface
words (ie “click here” or “add to cart”). There is
one large spreadsheet containing these words and several
smaller .docx documents. All need translating.

==Screening Questions==

1.) Can you do translation?
2.) How many word can you reliably translate in a week?
3.) How much do you charge for 100 words? Do not inflate
your desired pay rate by 2-5x. Doing so will disqualify your
bid if someone else simply did not inflate their price.
4.) What is a double entry visa?
5.) iVisa processes both visas and visa waivers. What is the
difference between a visa and a visa waiver? Give me an
example of each.

It is unclear whether this person will act as a ghost client or carry out an advanced payment scam.

August 2018

August 31, 2018: Scammer claiming to represent Asia Translate

This was an impersonation scam. The scammer pretended to work for Asia Translate and carried out the scam under the name of Ivy Rose Tan. The scammer used the free email address [email protected].

August 29, 2018: Scammer claiming to represent ABTranslations SRL

A report has been received of an identity theft and impersonated client scam. The scammer used the name of a legitimate company to use the professional services of a number of freelancers.

The scammer pretended to be the Romanian company SC AB LANGUAGE SOLUTIONS SRL. This scammer was using a profile under the name ABTranslations SRL - ABTranslations SRL (now deleted). The contact email addresses were [email protected] and [email protected], and the someone under the name Dagmar Arsaelsson replied to the emails. The scammer was using the webpage www.ab-translations.cc to seem more real (do not confuse with the real company website ab-traduceri.ro). They were using a fake phone number and their address is actually the address of an electric power company.

This fake profile was created by someone under the name of Judith Salmon (profile removed as well) and was using the email address [email protected]

May 2018

May 28, 2018: Advance payment / overpayment scam

It has been reported that a scammer under name Julie Brown/Brawn has been contacting translators from email address [email protected] After being contacted, providers may receive a message like this:

Hello
I'm pleased to know you are interested in handling this project. However, I will require your service to translate the attached German document. In the mean time, could you also confirm your charges per page, per source word or for the entire translation? The deadline for this Project is 1 month starting from 28 May 2018.Finally, I'm proposing a cashier check or bank certified check for the payment. Please do not hesitate to confirm if this is okay with you? I look forward to reading from you soon.

This case was also discussed here: https://www.proz.com/forum/scams/325661-this_sounds_a_bit_fishy.html

May 22, 2018: Scammer claiming to represent GEF

It has been reported that a scammer has been contacting service providers pretending to represent company GEF [70]. The scammer writes from email address [email protected] (the actual company domain is .com) and impersonates Valery Afanasiev, an actual company employee.

May 21, 2018: Advance payment scam under name "George Lance"

A report was received about an advance payment scam using name “George Lance”. Further contact information used by the scammer was email address [email protected]

May 5, 2018: Scam aimed at retrieving sensitive information

Several emails have been received from "Holly Ader" [71] pretending to require translation services. The scammer invited translators to download the files required for the task. The files had to be downloaded from a webpage that looked like Dropbox. In order to download the files, translators needed to sign in with their Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, AOL or Office 365 accounts. The login form did not belong to any of these companies, but rather it was an imitation created by the scammer. This means that translators would be providing their login information to the scammer instead of actually logging in to their accounts. The email used was: [email protected]

All links provided by this person lead to a fraudulent site.

The webpage of this restaurant was used to gain the trust of translators: http://www.legacyrestaurant.com/

This scam was first reported here: [72]

The following profile was used in this scam as well: [73] This was a site member under the name of Jeff Adler using the email address [email protected]. The email was the following:

Hello,
My wife Holly, contacted you last week for a virtual assistant position. Her email account has had some technical issues which is yet to be
resolved, hence my reason for contacting you. Please respond to this email to continue the conversation. Kind regards, Jeff.

May 2, 2018: Impersonation of translation company COME ALIVE COMMUNICATIONS, INC

A scammer pretending to represent company "COME ALIVE COMMUNICATIONS, INC" [74], has been reported. The scammer is currently using email address [email protected]. See [75] for more information.

April 2018

April 19, 2018: Impersonation of translation company Berlo International Pte Ltd

A scammer pretending to represent company "Berlo International Pte Ltd", https://www.proz.com/blueboard/37193 , has been reported. The scammer uses email address [email protected]

February 2018

February 23, 2018: Impersonation of translation company LinguaNational Translations Inc.

A scammer pretending to represent company "LinguaNational Translations Inc." has been reported. The scammer uses email address [email protected] The company has confirmed that they only use accounts with the domain @linguanational.com. The Blue Board record for the legitimate organization can be found at https://www.proz.com/blueboard/27722 If in doubt regarding the legitimity of a job offer by Linguanational Translations, service providers can contact President Janie Markos at [email protected]

February 9, 2018: Impersonation of translation company ALS

It has been reported that a scammer has been contacting service providers pretending to represent company ALS, https://en.als.ltd. The scammer writes from email address [email protected]

January 2018

January 25, 2018: Scam sent from a ProZ.com paid profile

Several reports have have been received about scam messages coming from a paid profile. Scammers created a ProZ.com profile http://proz.com/profile/2495035 with username floridellar, paid membership for better credibility and used this profile to send scam messages to translators from the address [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected]

One instance of the Secret Shopper scam was reported, but most colleagues reported a classic relocation scam:

I require the services of an assistant during my relocation.
Are you available?
What state are you located?
I hope to read from you soon.
Regards,
Donny.

Good Morning,
Are you interested in becoming a Secret Shopper?
If yes, please respond with your name,address and cell phone
number.
Details of your assignment would follow.
Regards.

A fake address was also reported:

Donny Anderson
Premier Health Insurance Services
5151 Flynn Pkwy. #626
Corpus Christi, TX 78411

The profile used for sending this scam has been removed and a refund has been issued (as in most cases they use stolen credit cards). Once again, learning the scammers' style can be more useful than knowing the disposable names or email addresses they use and drop.

January 24, 2018: Impersonation of translation company Alpha Omega Translations

It has been reported that a scammer has been contacting service providers pretending to represent company Alpha Omega Translations, http://www.alphaomegatranslations.com . The scammer writes from email address [email protected] (free email address, intentionally misspelling “translations” as “translationss”).

January 10, 2018: Advance payment scam under name "Rebecca Andersen"

A report was received about an advance payment scam using name “Rebecca Andersen”. Further contact information used by the scammer was email addresses [email protected] and [email protected]

2017

November 2017

November 24, 2017: Impersonation of translation company Oficina da Palavra

It has been reported that a scammer has been contacting service providers pretending to represent company Oficina da Palavra, http://oficina-da-palavra.pt/ . The scammer writes from email address [email protected] (free email address, intentionally misspelling “oficina” as “oficiina”).

November 21, 2017: Impersonation of translation company ABBYY

It has been reported that a scammer has been contacting service providers pretending to represent company ABBYY, https://www.proz.com/blueboard/9434 . The scammer writes from email address [email protected] (note the similarity to lingvo.ru , a legitimate domain).

October 2017

October 23, 2017: Impersonation of site member under name "Patrice Dally"

ProZ.com member Patrice Philippi, https://www.proz.com/profile/1098551, has reported that his CV and cover letter are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The name used by the scammer is "Patrice Dally" and the email address is [email protected]

October 23, 2017: Impersonation of site member

ProZ.com member Teresita Garcia Ruy Sanchez, http://www.proz.com/profile/1090 , has reported that her CV and name are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The scammer uses several email addresses that are not used by her: [email protected], [email protected] & [email protected]

October 10, 2017: Impersonation of site member

ProZ.com member Nicholas Constantinou, https://www.proz.com/profile/1328341 , has reported that his CV and name are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The email address used by the scammer is [email protected]

September 2017

September 19, 2017: Advance payment scam using name "Aminata Dramane"

A report was received about an advance payment scam using name "Aminata Dramane". Further contact information used by the scammer was email addresses [email protected]

September 13, 2017: Advance payment scam under name “Phillip W. Kone”

A report was received about an advance payment scam using name “Phillip W. Kone”. Further contact information used by the scammer was email addresses [email protected] and [email protected] , and Skype address phillip.kone1

July 2017

July 24, 2017: Four fraudulent profiles removed

A set of profiles sending fraudulent emails has been removed from the site. The profiles have been removed by now, but this is the contact information they were using:

trinteriors - [email protected]
ionize - [email protected] - JAMES BLUNT
kidsunited - [email protected] - Thomas McGregor
priornotice - [email protected] - PAUL VALDEZ

Remember that scammers can register an account and even purchase membership before they are spotted and can be blocked from using ProZ.com. Fraudulent offers need to be spotted based on their nature. This set of scammers, for example, was sending out a fairly common "Secret shopper" type. These start out by making an attractive offer of weekly payment, and end up requesting payment in their direction as part of the application process (akin to "Nigerian" type advance-fee scams).

This is the body of the message they were sending:

 Dear Translator,

Do you need to earn a little extra income?
Do you want to work from home?
You can earn up to $275 a week or more as an online secret
evaluation.
Our system is simple and produces great results. Here is how we do
it:

We work out what our online retailers need from you, the online
secret evaluation.
The best thing about online secret evaluation is it's simplicity.
Instead of spending millions of dollars on advertising their
products
and services, online companies go directly to the consumer.
Companies are able to improve their customer service through the
feedback you provide for them.
If you are interested,Email us with your postal details and
telephone number.

All shoppers must be 18 or over

Unfortunately, we can only take on a limited number of applicants,
so
not everyone will be accepted.
If you are accepted, you would be contacted.
All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2017

June 2017

June 12, 2017: Scammer pretending to represent "101translations"

We have received reports of the impersonation of translation company 101translations. The scammers are using email address [email protected] and name "John Acord". They do not represent 101translations, a legitimate company, with a Blue Board record at http://www.proz.com/blueboard/1435 . Please the announcement at http://www.proz.com/topic/315746 for more information.

April 2017

April 27, 2017: Scammer pretending to represent "Octopus Translations"

A scammer pretending to represent company "Octopus Translations" has been reported. The Blue Board record for the legitimate organization is at http://www.proz.com/blueboard/5570 . The scammer uses email address [email protected] . Note that Irina Bumbu is the name of a legitimate project manager working for Octopus Translations. Remember that email addresses hosted at free email services are suspicious, and follow up with the company directly if you receive an offer from such an email address.

April 6, 2017: Fake company "Translina" uses a phone number belonging to a legitimate company

Known scam operation "Translina", previously reported at http://proz.me/eu and http://proz.me/ev has been reported to be including phone and fax numbers belonging to a legitimate company in their POs.

April 5, 2017: Impersonation of ProZ.com member Nuri Burak Aksiray

ProZ.com member Nuri Burak Aksiray, http://www.proz.com/profile/1038551 , has reported that his CV and name are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The email used by the scammer is [email protected]

April 5, 2017: Advance payment scam under name "Donald Powel"

A report was received for an advance payment scam using name Donald Powel and email address [email protected]

January 2017

January 23, 2017: Fake identities "Anita Helfred", "Andrew Wilson"

Two new fake identities used by scammers: "Anita Helfred", "Andrew Wilson", [email protected]

January 20, 2017: Advance payment scam under name "Caihoun Kenneth"

An advance payment scam was reported at http://www.proz.com/topic/310904 . The scam uses name "Caihoun Kenneth" and email address [email protected]

January 19, 2017: Advance payment scam under name "David Paul"

An advance payment scam posing as a request for group language lessons was reported at http://www.proz.com/post/2622074#2622074 . The scammers use name "David Paul" and email address [email protected]

2016

December 2016

December 30, 2016: Impersonation of company "McFelder"

A scammer pretending to represent company "McFelder" has been reported, Blue Board record at http://www.proz.com/blueboard/8192 . The scammer uses email address [email protected] . Note that the company only uses emails ending in @mcfelder.com to contact translators.

December 16, 2016: Impersonation by 24translate.net

ProZ.com members Grzyb & Kulawik http://www.proz.com/profile/1230709 have reported that their CV and name are being used by a scammer linked to banned operation 24translate.net, http://www.proz.com/blueboard/40856 , to contact outsourcers. The email addres used by the scammer is [email protected]

December 15, 2016: Impersonation of site Member Michael Beijer

ProZ.com member Michael Beijer, http://www.proz.com/profile/652138, has reported that his name and an and old CV are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers, using the fake email address [email protected]

December 7, 2016: Advance payment scam under name "JAMES COOGLER"

An advance payment scam using name "JAMES COOGLER" and email address [email protected] has been reported. The scammer had registered an account on ProZ.com under username "jcool". The account has been removed by now.

December 7, 2016: Fake company under name "Translina" is still contacting freelancers

Fake company "Translina" was recently reported to be active, at http://www.proz.com/post/2611016#2611016 . The name used by the scammer this time was "Richard Lackey", with email address [email protected]

See http://wiki.proz.com/wiki/index.php/Translator_scam_alert_reports#March_8.2C_2016:_Fake_company_.22Translina.22 for the last alert about this operation.

November 2016

November 21, 2016: Advance payment scam under name "Anthony Jayden"

An advance payment scam was reported today The scammer uses name "Anthony Jayden" and email address [email protected]

November 7, 2016: Advance payment scam under name "Jack Boulden"

An advance payment scam was reported to be currently active. The scammer uses name "Jack Boulden" and email address [email protected]

October 2016

October 26, 2016: Fraudulent operation under company name translationspace.net

Fraudulent operation originally branded "Languagemet" and documented at http://www.proz.com/blueboard/9086 has been reported to be active under yet another new name: translationspace.net . Emails are being sent from email address [email protected] , with name "Zaki Al-Attar".

October 25, 2016: Impersonation of colleague Ana Tarchitzky

ProZ.com member Ana Tarchitzky, http://www.proz.com/profile/698402 , has reported that her CV and name are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The scammer uses these email addresses: [email protected] , [email protected] and [email protected]

October 24, 2016: Scammer operating under name "Jenny Jones"

A fraudulent profile has been removed from ProZ.com. The scammer used name "Jenny Jones", username "gertrans", and email address [email protected] . The profile was being used to find jobs through the job posting system, that were then sourced to legitimate translators. One name used to outsource jobs to translators was "Christian Axberg". That name has no presence on ProZ.com.

See http://www.proz.com/blueboard/45022 and http://proz.me/eo for more information.

October 24, 2016: Advance payment scam under name "Vicky Romeo"

An advance payment scam was reported to be currently active. The scammer uses name "Vicky Romeo" and email address [email protected]

October 21, 2016: Advance payment scam under name "ThompsoN Jennifer"

An advance payment scam was reported at http://www.proz.com/topic/307783. The scammer uses name "ThompsoN Jennifer" and email address [email protected]

October 11, 2016: Advance payment scam under name "James Costa"

An advance payment scam was reported at http://www.proz.com/post/2595427#2595427 . The scammer uses name "James Costa", signs with name "Cole", and uses email address [email protected]

October 5, 2016: Probable scam under name "Steven Bangham"

A probable scam was reported at http://www.proz.com/topic/307217 . The sender uses name "Steven Bangham" and email address [email protected]

October 3, 2016: Fake CV under name "ALBERT Vigier"

A scammer using a fake CV under name "ALBERT Vigier" and email address [email protected] has been reported.

September 2016

September 23, 2016: Scam operation under company name "Brenntag UK Limited"

A scam has been reported on http://www.proz.com/post/2583991 . The scammers operate under company name "Brenntag UK Limited", and give this as their website: http://brenntagsoutheast.co.uk/ (404 error). The scammers claim to represent Adecco as a human resources firm, but that is false. Known email addresses used by the scammers are [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected]

The scam here is that freelancers are supposedly accepted for job opportunities, and then asked to make a payment to cover for their training. Always be wary of job offers that ask for payment before the job is granted.

September 21, 2016: Fake CV under name "Robert J Kokuoa"

A scammer using a fake CV under name "Robert J Kokuoa" and email address [email protected] has been reported. The scammer had registered a profile on ProZ.com under username "robertj601", that has been removed by now.

September 19, 2016: Advance payment scam using name "Desmond O'Rourke"

An advance payment scam using name "Desmond O'Rourke" and email address [email protected] has been reported on ProZ.com forums. Note that the name belongs to a legitimate translator, that is not related to this scam. You can read more about this here: http://www.proz.com/post/2585041#2585041

August 2016

August 29, 2016: Impersonation of company "The Translation Gate, LLC"

A scammer pretending to represent company "The Translation Gate, LLC" has been reported. The scammer uses emails hosted on Gmail. Note that the company only uses emails hosted at thetranslationgate.com and thetranslationgate.net to contact translators.

Please see http://www.proz.com/post/2583197#2583197 for more information.

August 9, 2016: Advance payment scam under name "Joyce Narvaez"

An advance payment scam using name "Joyce Narvaez" and email address [email protected] has been reported.

August 1, 2016: Advance payment scam under name "Sterling"

An advance payment scam using name "Sterling" and email address [email protected] has been reported.

July 2016

July 27, 2016: Fake CV under names "Beckmann Christina" or "Christina Bec"

A ProZ.com profile associated with a scammer using a fake CV was removed after it was reported at https://twitter.com/tsdirectory/status/758248976915259392 . The name used by the scammer is "Beckmann Christina" or "Christina Bec", with email addresses [email protected] , [email protected] . The profile was located at http://www.proz.com/profile/2165378

July 15, 2016: Scammer operating under company name "magic-trans.net"

A scammer operating under company name "magic-trans.net" has been reported to be active contacting translators lately. This operation is similar to the one carried out under names LanguageMet or Translation Secrets. Please visit http://www.proz.com/blueboard/9086 and http://www.proz.com/topic/302893 for more information.

July 11, 2016: Advance payment scam under name "David Miller"

An advance payment scam using name "David Miller" and email address [email protected] has beer reported, at http://www.proz.com/topic/304037 and http://www.proz.com/post/2569637#2569637

July 6, 2016: Advance payment scam under name "Terri Adam"

An advance payment scam using name Terri Adam and email address [email protected] was reported at http://www.proz.com/post/2568107#2568107

June 2016

June 22, 2016: Advance payment scam under names "Jessica Butler" and "Kathy Haring"

These names have been reported to be used in advance payment scams: "Jessica Butler" and "Kathy Haring". The email addresses used in conjuction with these names are [email protected] and [email protected]

June 21, 2016: Advance payment scam under name "Joseph Fraga"

An advance payment scam using name "Joseph Fraga" was reported. An email address used by this scammer is [email protected]

June 3, 2016: Advance payment scam under name "James Brisley"

An advance payment scam using name "James Brisley" was reported at http://www.proz.com/post/2556395#2556395 . An email address used by this scammer is [email protected]

May 2016

May 30, 2016: Advance payment scam under name "James M Burke"

An advance payment scam using name "James M Burke" was reported at http://www.proz.com/post/2555294#2555294 . An email address used by this scammer is [email protected]

May 26, 2016: Scammer using email address [email protected]

ProZ.com member tinaparelius, http://www.proz.com/profile/759712 , has reported that her CV and name are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The scammer uses name "Tina Harrison", and email address [email protected]

May 25, 2016: Fake CV under name "Sabine Lang"

A scammer using a fake CV under name "Sabine Lang" and email address [email protected] has been reported. The scammer had registered a profile on ProZ.com, that has been removed by now.

May 24, 2016: Scammers pretending to represent Avanta Translating

Scammers pretending to represent company Avanta Translating, http://www.proz.com/blueboard/19891 have been contacting freelancers using free email address [email protected] . Please see http://www.proz.com/topic/301726 for more information.

May 19, 2016: "John Varela Consulting" advance payment scam

Name "John Varela", "Donald Edwards" and email address [email protected] are being used to contact translators for an advance payment scam. This scam is being discussed at http://www.proz.com/topic/287342

May 19, 2016: Scammer requesting payment to [email protected]

A scammer is contacting freelancers requesting a 25 USD PayPal payment [email protected] in exchange for supposed past work. Known names used by the scammer are "Julia Redfield", "Victor Mitran" and "Pablo Cordoba". This scam is being discussed at http://www.proz.com/topic/302015 and http://www.proz.com/topic/302020

April 2016

April 27, 2016: Potential scam under name "Sandra Lopez"

A potential scam using name "Sandra Lopez" and email addresses [email protected] & [email protected] has been reported.

April 26, 2016: Potential scam under name "doaa khamis"

A scam using name "doaa khamis" and and email address [email protected] was reported on a site forum today: http://www.proz.com/post/2546297#2546297

April 17, 2016: Potential scam under name "Andrew Guida"

Email address: [email protected] . This is the email being sent out:

How are you doing and how is your business, I am in need of a translator for my documents. The documents are titled Drug Abuse and Addiction, Solution to drug abuse and addiction.
The first document have 12,413 words and the second one have 22103 words.
The first document is ready for translation and the second is with the Editor and it will be ready soon and shall be sent to you when its ready.
Deadline for the first document is May 20th while deadline for the second document shall be discussed when i send it to you but i am sure you will have enough time to translate it.
Kindly get back to me with the quote per word, charges for the first document, charges for the second document and also your language combination, i am asking for the language combination for  confirmation because i cant remember again. I had your contact in my directory of translator/interpreter for a long time.

I will be waiting to read back from you as soon as possible.

Best Regards,
Andrew Guida.

April 15, 2016: AATII, directory of translators populated by scraping publicly available information

We have received reports that a new portal, AATII, has created a directory of professionals by scraping publicly available information. This is the forum thread where the discussion is taking place: http://www.proz.com/topic/300701

If you find yourself listed there, you can request the removal of your information by using the contact information posted on https://aatii.com/contactus :

Customer service phone number  :    + 1 604 370 2171
Customer service email:           [email protected]

April 6, 2016: Potential scam under name "Loredana Maxen"

Reports have been received of a potential scam with name "Loredana Maxen", and email addresses [email protected] and [email protected] . This person has been contacting freelancers and requesting their CV and updated cover letter.

March 2016

March 30, 2016: Fake translator under name "Niklas Dresner"

A scammer posing as a translator using name "Niklas Dresner" and email address [email protected] has been reported to be contacted outsourcers. The scammer was spotted because his CV included (fake) references from the person he was contacting.

March 23, 2016: Advance payment scam under name "Donald Powell"

An advance payment scam using name "Donald Powell" and email addresses [email protected] & [email protected] has been reported. The scammer also registered a profile at ProZ.com with username "Donald12312". The profile has now been removed.

March 23, 2016: Advance payment scam under name "Stephen Gray"

Name "Stephen Gray" and email addresses [email protected] & [email protected] are being used to contact translators for an advance payment scam.

March 21, 2016: Overpayment scam under names "Paul Fletcher" & "Andrew Newman"

These names were used by scammer contacting translators to being an overpayment scam: "Paul Fletcher" / [email protected] , "Andrew Newman" / [email protected]

March 18, 2016: Scam operation under name "Translation Community Co."

A scammer company called Translation Community Co. operating from Gaza Strip has been reported to be contacting translators recently. There is a Blue Board record for this operation at http://www.proz.com/blueboard/41926 . This is the contact information used by the scammers: "Lisbeth Frade" / [email protected] , "Miguel Santa" / [email protected]

March 8, 2016: Scammers operating as translators and outsourcers

A new scam has been reported in which scammers apply to get translation projects under a false identity, outsource the project to a professional translator, deliver the translation to the client, get paid, only to later disappear without paying the translator that completed the translation.

Known contact details used by these scammers are "John Pearson / [email protected]", "Richard Benton / [email protected]", "Andrew Davison / [email protected]" and "Paul Larkin / [email protected] / [email protected] . Three profiles, now removed, with that information were registered on ProZ.com and used to contact outsourcers and translators. Note that membership had been purchased for all of those profiles. Remember that site membership is not enough to prove that a person is who they say they are. As always, further steps must be taken to verify the identity of a person before collaborating with them.

A Blue Board record associated to the "outsourcing" phase of this scam can be found at http://www.proz.com/blueboard/45022

Note that there is a legitimate translator called Paul Larkin. There may be others under the rest of the names.

March 8, 2016: Fake company "Translina"

A scammer is operating under fake company name "Translina". Emails are sent from [email protected] , including names "John Adam" and "Sara Gomes".

March 3, 2016: Scammer under name "Igor Onishko"

Name "Igor Onishko" and email addresses [email protected] and [email protected] (note the lower case "L" substituting the "I" in Igor) are being used by a scammer to contact clients with a CV taken from an established translator.

February 2016

February 22, 2016: Probable scam email sent from 2 different email addresses

A probable scam was reported through site forums today: http://www.proz.com/topic/298495 . The following message was being sent from email addresses [email protected] & [email protected] :

Greetings,

Good day to you,i found your contact details on a registry of
translators and interpreters,while searching for a written translator to translate a term paper on my behalf.

Do you posses such such expertise?
Do you provide such services?
What is your target language?
What is your source language?
Do you have any certification?
Are you available for the translation?

Kindly get back to me thanks.

February 18, 2016: Continued impersonation of ProZ.com member Amanda Fearnley

This is the second alert about this case of impersonation — the last alert was sent over a year ago: http://proz.me/en . The scammer is still active using the same set of contact information.

February 12, 2016: CV hijacking under name "Edward Romell"

ProZ.com user Lisa Mann has reported that her CV is being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The name and email address used by the scammer are "Edward Romell" and [email protected]

February 10, 2016: Advance payment scam using name ""Davis Parez"

An advance payment scam using name "Davis Parez" has been reported today. The scammer is pretending to be a university student. Please see forum thread http://www.proz.com/topic/208126 for more information.

January 2016

January 29, 2016: Advance payment scam using name "Edgardo Williams"

An advance payment scam using the name "Edgardo Williams" and the email address [email protected] has been reported.

January 25, 2016: Impersonation of translator Michiko Watanabe

ProZ.com member Michiko Watanabe, http://www.proz.com/profile/105179 , has reported that her name is being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The email address used by the scammer is [email protected]

January 18, 2016: Impersonation of Ettore Peyrot from company "Ability Translations"

A scammer is contacting translators pretending to be Ettore Peyrot from company "Ability Translations", http://www.proz.com/blueboard/5018 . Legitimate email addresses used by "Ability Translations" are hosted exclusively at the following domains: @traduzione-localizzazione.com , @localization-translation.com and @ability-mktg.com . Please see http://www.proz.com/topic/297121 for more information.

January 15, 2016: Scammers pretending to represent company "Accent On Languages"

A scammer pretending to represent company "Accent On Languages" has been reported. The scam consists in asking payment from translators in order to verify their identities, after they are sent an attractive job offer. These messages are being sent out from email addresses hosted at accentonlg.com and accent-on-languages.com . Similar scams have been reported recently, under company names "Hipay", "Q & A Research" and "Apex Translations". Note that the online payment form includes a Realtranslatorjobs.com banner, a scam website that has been around for several years.

The payment form is hosted by Clickbank, an online marketplace that has a refund policy that can be can be used by anyone who has made a payment. If you have made a payment, you can request a refund by contact Clickbank support at https://www.clkbank.com/#!/ . Please see https://accounts.clickbank.com/return_policy.html for more information on their refund policy.

Please see http://www.proz.com/topic/296989 for more information on this scam.

January 6, 2016: Impersonation of company "Hipay"

A scammer pretending to represent company "Hipay" has been reported. The scam consists in asking payment from translators in order to verify their identities, after they are sent an attractive job offer. Note that the page to make the payment includes a Realtranslatorjobs.com banner, a scam website that has been around for several years. See http://www.proz.com/topic/201643 for more information on that scam.

The name used for these messages is "Lucia Venucci" and the email address is [email protected] . Similar scams have been reported recently, under company names "Q & A Research" and "Apex Translations".

The scammers had posted a set of job postings last week, with these titles "Seeking experienced translators for 8k+ words & long-term cooperation", "Translators Wanted A.S.A.P", "English > Spanish, French, Russian - 8k words translation (ongoing)". Both job postings have been removed by now, and everyone who submitted a quote has been contacted.

Please see http://www.proz.com/topic/296420 for more information.

December 2015

December 22, 2015: Advance payment scam using name "Anthony Muller"

An advance payment scam using name "Anthony Muller" and email address [email protected] has been reported.

December 21, 2015: Advance payment scam using name "Van Jong"

An advance payment scam using name "Van Jong" and email address [email protected] has been reported.

December 10, 2015: Fake CV under name "Manjiri Uemura"

A potential fake CV with the following contact details has been reported: Manjiri Uemura / [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]

December 9, 2015: Scammers pretending to represent company "Gengo"

A second scam where scammers pretend to represent company "Gengo" has been reported. The scam consists in asking payment from translators in order to verify their identities, after they are sent an attractive job offer. Additionally, two fake versions of the Gengo website were created, at: http://gengo.ml/ and http://www.gengo-online.com/ (both websites are down now). The name on the email was "Yamal Kamal". Translators are being asked to create an account there, potentially as a phishing attempt.

Please see http://www.proz.com/post/2495545#2495545 for more information.

November 2015

November 18, 2015: Potential advance payment scam using name "James Banks"

A potential advance payment scam using name "James Banks" and email address [email protected] has been reported.

November 12, 2015: Advance payment scam using name "Sarah Moore"

An advance payment scam using name "Sarah Moore" and email address [email protected] has been reported.

November 5, 2015: Client impersonation under name "Xiao Wang"

An impersonated client scam using name "Xiao Wang" and email address [email protected] has been reported. The scammer claims to represent a company by the name "Wonderful Translation Company", but does not. Please see http://www.proz.com/about/translator-scam-alerts/#impersonated_client_scam for more information on this type of scam.

October 2015

October 30, 2015: Impersonation of site member Donny Wang

ProZ.com member Donny Wang, http://www.proz.com/profile/650600 , has reported that his CV and name are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The email address being used by the scammer is [email protected]

October 28, 2015: Advance payment scam using name "John Mc Cullen"

An advance payment scam using name "John Mc Cullen" and email addresses [email protected] and [email protected] has been reported.

October 26, 2015: Advance payment scam using name "Isidro Lopez"

An advance payment scam using name "Isidro Lopez" and email addresses [email protected] and [email protected] has been reported.

October 22, 2015: Advance payment scam using name "Tracy Johnson"

An advance payment scam using name "Tracy Johnson" and email address [email protected] has been reported.

October 6, 2015: Advance payment scam using name "Agustin Mike"

An advance payment scam using name "Agustin Mike" and email addresses [email protected] and [email protected] has been reported.

September 2015

September 30, 2015: Advance payment scam using name "John Fowler"

An advance payment scam using name "John Fowler", email address [email protected] and address "7290 Beverly Boulevard" has been reported. This scam seems to be related to the one using name "David Klopp": http://www.proz.com/topic/288071

September 29, 2015: Impersonation of company "Gengo"

A scam pretending to represent company "Gengo" has been reported. The scam consists in asking payment from translators in order to verify their identities, after they are sent an attractive job offer. Additionally, a fake version of the Gengo website was created with a .ga domain. Translators are being asked to create an account there, potentially as a phishing attempt.

Please see http://www.proz.com/topic/292091 for more information.

September 28, 2015: Impersonation of company "Q & A Research"

A scam pretending to represent company "Q & A Research" has been reported. The scam consists in asking payment from translators in order to verify their identities, after they are sent an attractive job offer. The name used for these messages is "Amanda Harrison" and the email address is [email protected]

This scam is very similar to the one reported on http://proz.me/ek . That was reported a month ago, and the company being impersonated was "Apex Translations".

Please see http://www.proz.com/topic/291868 for more information.

September 28, 2015: Advance payment scam under name "Melissa Cantor"

An advance payment scam using name "Melissa Cantor" and email address [email protected] has been reported. See http://www.proz.com/topic/292024 for more information.

September 22, 2015: Scammer trying to extort payment in Bitcoin

Two reports have been received today about a new kind of scam in which a scammer attempts to extort outsourcers by pretending to be an unpaid translator claiming payment. Two such reports were received, and each scam email was impersonating a different person. One set of contact information was "Aleksander Bulinski" / [email protected] , and the other was "Laura Robertson" / [email protected] . Neither person is involved in this scam. This is the message being sent out by the scammer:

I am (name) from Ashland, 1401 Oregon St. #768, OR 97520,
United States.
In September 2014 I worked for you: translation from French to English of document: "Financial Disputes between companies Bloomin 'Brands and SC Johnson & Son".
There were 5083 source words, therefore I deserved as payment:
5083 words X $0.06 = $305.
I sent you the invoice and you said you will pay me within 45 days (after delivery of the translation).
Unfortunately I got sick seriously, namely: pulmonary tuberculosis.
I stayed in the hospital "Asante Ashland Community Hospital" almost 1 year for treatment with: Isoniazid, Rifampin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol, Amikacin, Ethionamide, Moxifloxacin, Para-aminosalicylic acid and Streptomycin.
Now I'm healthy.
I checked my PayPal account, but it does not appear the amount of $ 305 as received from you.
So you did not pay me for my work ($ 305).
You must pay me for my work. Because now I have some problems with my account PAYPAL, please send me as payment 1 Bitcoin (1 BTC) into the account:

1DNVirNZa3JLU94GLsTjECX8ZLkq3K7bgX

In any case, 1 Bitcoin is less than $ 305.
Waiting for payment (1 Bitcoin) within one week. If I will not receive payment within a week - I will send a message about your agency (that you are crooks and swindlers and you use the work of honest translators without paying them) to:
1. proz.com - http://www.proz.com/;
2. translators cafe -http://www.translatorscafe.com;
3. translator town - http://www.translatorstown.com/;
4. translation directory - http://www.translationdirectory.com/;
5. traduguide - http://www.traduguide.com/;
6. Police in your city;
7. FBI - https://www.fbi.gov/;
8. the government agency in your country dealing with Internet crime
(in this case - exploitation of honest translators by crooks of translation companies);
9. the website Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/ (I will pay this website in order to display my message about your agency: that you are crooks and swindlers and you use the work of honest translators without paying them);
10. I will build a website and I will insert as content the story of my "collaboration" with your agency and the fact that you did not pay me and you are swindlers. Then I will pay for promoting this website on Google (I will pay to the website http://www.thesitewizard.com which will connect my website with 400,000 websites worldwide). Thus millions of Internet users will learn about your agency and the fact that you are swindlers (that you use the work of honest translators without to pay);
11. I have 10 million email addresses of people from all over the world. I have a software professional bulk email sender that allows me to send message to 1 million email addresses per day. During 10 days I will send messages to these 10 million email addresses. Thus, 10 million citizens from all over the world will learn about your agency and the fact that you are swindlers (that you use the work of honest translators without to pay);
12. I will send a message (with the description of the situation at your agency) to the 20 most important newspapers in your country;
13. I will notify the US Embassy in your country about your offense (me being an American citizen).
I warn you that I am not joking, and I am very decided to recover the money for my work: 1 Bitcoin.
You can avoid the 13 points above if you will send me 1 Bitcoin (1 BTC) into the account:

1DNVirNZa3JLU94GLsTjECX8ZLkq3K7bgX

Waiting for payment

Kind regards

(name)
Ashland, 1401 Oregon St. #768, OR 97520,
United States.

Note that in both cases the postal address and Bitcoin account are the same.

September 22, 2015: Advance payment scam under name "Michael Butler"

An advance payment scam using name "Michael Butler" and email address [email protected] has been reported.

September 15, 2015: New scam, reminiscent of the classic Nigerian scam

A new scam reminiscent of the classic Nigerian scam has been reported recently. In this version, the scammer pretends to represent Lingo24 Translation Services, http://www.proz.com/blueboard/801 , but does not. The scammer uses name "James Henry" and email address [email protected] . This is the message being sent out:

New Campaign (Save a student)
Nigeria, Africa's most populous country has a high illiteracy rate and a low GDP. We will raise funds online for Language studies students of Nigeria who can't afford to pay their tution. There are volunteers in Nigeria.  But in order to raise funds they need to create a gofundme.com fundraising campaign. Gofundme has only 2 withdrawal options- wepay and stripe. Wepay is supported in US and Canada. And Stripe is supported in UK, Australia and  a few European countries. So it's very difficult for Nigerians to raise funds online.
Stripe is possibly supported in your country. Can you create a gofundme account for the volunteers? You can send money via western-union after withdrawing the funds from Stripe. We can pay you 10% of the total raised funds  for your services. If you agree to help the Nigerian volunteers to create a gofundme campaign, just send us an email to [email protected] and let us know.
Though it will take a few more weeks for you to get approved as a Lingo24 translator, you are already a member of Lingo24. And we will be grateful if you agree to help our volunteers."

September 11, 2015: Apparent impersonation of a legitimate translator

What seems to be the impersonation of a legitimate translator has been reported through site forums at http://www.proz.com/topic/290357 and http://www.proz.com/topic/290117 . The messages include a link to a Linkedin profile for a person presumably based in France, but the IP address on the messages indicates the person sending them is based in Jordan. The messages are signed "Charline Vuillet", the same name in the Linkedin profile.

September 10, 2015: Impersonation of site user Christopher Burin

It has been reported that a scammer is using name "Christopher Burin" and email address [email protected] to contact freelancers. The name does actually belong to a genuine site user with a profile at http://www.proz.com/profile/110680 . However, he is no longer freelancing, so any offers you receive from [email protected] - or from other e-mail addresses, purporting to be from "Christopher Burin" - are from the scammer and are fraudulent.

September 9, 2015: Impersonation of site member Sameh Elnokaly

ProZ.com member Sameh Elnokaly, http://www.proz.com/profile/1256162, has reported that his name is being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The email address used by the scammer is [email protected] . Please ask for a proof of identity and/or get in contact with with Sameh via Skype (s.elnokaly) or email: [email protected] . That is the legitimate email address used by this translator.

September 7, 2015: Scam under name "Berenice Legros"

A scam using name "Berenice Legros" and email address [email protected] has been reported. The scammer requested a translation and claimed payment was made using a forged bank note. This is related to a job posting that has since been removed, and all possible quoters have been informed.

August 2015

August 22, 2015: Advance payment scam under name "Ben Wheeler"

An advance payment scam using name "Ben Wheeler" and email address [email protected] has been reported. The scammer was asking for the translation of a file on health care policy.

August 19, 2015: Impersonation of company "Apex Translations"

A scam involving the impersonation of legitimate company "Apex Translations", http://www.proz.com/blueboard/3606, has been reported on site forums. Using names "Emily Phillips" and "Ameer Nassim", with email addresses [email protected] and [email protected] . This is the website they linked in their emails: http://www.apex-portal.ga/ (note it is a domain hosted in Gabon, Africa). Please visit these forum threads for more information on this operation: http://www.proz.com/topic/289796 and http://www.proz.com/topic/289808

The scammers had posted a set of job postings last week, with these titles "French & Portuguese Translators Wanted", "Translators Wanted A.S.A.P", "Hiring Short or Long Term Translator". All job postings have been removed by now, and everyone who submitted a quote has been contacted.

Keep in mind that job postings are approved as long as they meet site rules: http://www.proz.com/?sp=siterules&mode=show&category=jobs_posting . It is often not possible to determine if an offer is fraudulent or not before it is approved. When a fraudulent offer is identified, the community is warned about it.

August 3, 2015: Advance payment scam using name "David Hooks"

An advance payment scam using name "David Hooks" and email address [email protected] has been reported. The scammer claims to represent company "Glenview Language Network", a company that doesn't seem to exist.

July 2015

July 25, 2015: Advance payment scam using name "Mark Davis"

An advance payment scam using contact information "Mark Davis" and email address [email protected] has been reported. The message being sent out is the same as in the "Nigel Jennet" scam, reported yesterday. This is the message being sent out:

Translation Work
Hello!

I am Mark Davis, a resident of Michigan,United States.I am writing you from Lisburn,UK where i am presently on an official visit.I will be making a presentation to some groups of French speaking people in Quebec, Canada on  the 30th of September,2015.However,i will need you to help in translating some documents from English to French,so each of my audience can have an extra copy in French language and they can follow through.The deadline for  the delivery of translations is September 4,2015.Please,let me have an estimate for the documents(see attached).I look forward to hearing back from you.

Best Regards,
Mark

July 24, 2015: Advance payment scam using name "Nigel Jennet"

An advance payment scam using contact information "Nigel Jennet" and email address [email protected] has been reported. Note that the contact information is similar to what was used in a scam reported in 2013: http://www.proz.com/forum/scams/249974-possible_new_advanced_payment_scam.html

July 21, 2015: Scammer pretending to represent company A2Z Global LLC

A scammer using name "Ronen Eliav" and email address [email protected] has been contacting translators pretending to represent company A2Z Global LLC, http://www.proz.com/blueboard/2303 . This person does not represent A2Z Global LLC.

Note that "Ronen Eliav" is also the name of a legitimate translator, not connected to this scam.

July 20, 2015: Stolen CV under names "Morten Aleksandersen" and "Ingrid Jørnsrud/Jornsrud"

ProZ.com member Ingrid Thorbjørnsrud, http://www.proz.com/profile/763198 , has reported that her CV is being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The names used by the scammer are "Morten Aleksandersen" and "Ingrid Jørnsrud/Jornsrud", with email addresses [email protected] and [email protected]

July 20, 2015: Advance payment scam using name "David Klopp"

An advance payment scam using name "David Klopp" and email address [email protected] has been reported. See the forum thread at http://www.proz.com/topic/288071 for more information.

July 16, 2015: Impersonation of a translator

ProZ.com member Michael Beijer, http://www.proz.com/profile/652138 , has reported that his CV and name are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The email address used by the scammer is [email protected] .

July 8, 2015: Potential scam from email address [email protected]

A potential scam using email address [email protected] and username "polaroid" has been reported. The messages were sent from a ProZ.com profile with membership, that has since been removed.

July 6, 2015: Potential scam from email address [email protected]

A potential scam using email address [email protected] and username "weekend" has been reported. The messages were sent from a ProZ.com profile with membership, that has since been removed.

June 2015

June 6, 2015: Advance payment scam under name "Myriam Sales"

An advance payment scam using name "Myriam Sales" and email addresses [email protected] has been reported.

June 2, 2015: Impersonation under email address [email protected]

ProZ.com member e-beth, http://www.proz.com/profile/1023029 , has reported that her CV is being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The email address used by the scammer is [email protected]

May 2015

May 27, 2015: Advance payment scam under name "John Luka"

An advance payment scam using name "John Luka" and email addresses [email protected] & [email protected] has been reported. The scammer contacted translators requesting a translation of articles on STD among teenagers.

May 22, 2015: Impersonation under name "Daniel Yang"

ProZ.com member William He, http://www.proz.com/profile/712367 , has reported that his CV is being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The name used by the scammer is just "Daniel Yang" and the email address is [email protected]

May 21, 2015: Continued impersonation

It has been reported that the scammer impersonating ProZ.com user Rui Sosa ( http://www.proz.com/profile/125715 ) is still active, using email address [email protected] . This was originally reported a year ago: http://wiki.proz.com/wiki/index.php/Translator_scam_alert_reports#May_27.2C_2014:_Impersonation_of_a_translator

May 18, 2015: Scammer requesting a 50 EUR chèque de banque

A potential scam using email address [email protected] , username "Kidominant" and signing as "Andy" has been reported. The messages requested that a cheque for 50 EUR was sent to the scammer, promising a refund. See http://www.proz.com/topic/285949 for more information.

April 2015

April 29, 2015: Advance payment scam under name "Walter Huff"

An advance payment scam using name "Walter Huff" and email address [email protected] has been reported. The scammer contacted translators requesting a translation of articles on drug abuse and gun control.

March 2015

March 31, 2015: Invoice scams from email address [email protected]

Many reports were made on http://www.proz.com/topic/283135 about a classic scam that is currently being targeted at translators and translation companies. It consists in an unknown person sending invoices for small amounts to companies, with the hopes of receiving payment when invoices are processed. Contact information included in this spate of emails is "Victor Vladimirovich Alexandrov" as name and [email protected] as email address. The invoices are sent through PayPal too, and can be cancelled there.

March 26, 2015: Impersonation of a site member by Languagemet

Anyone who wants to contact Teresita Garcia Ruy Sanchez about this can send her a message through her ProZ.com profile, at http://www.proz.com/profile/1090

March 12, 2015: Impersonation of a site member

ProZ.com member Ana Loncar, http://www.proz.com/profile/1636642 , has reported that her CV and name are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The scammer is using these email addresses: [email protected] & [email protected]

March 5, 2015: Impersonation of a site member

ProZ.com member Zhonghui Shen, http://www.proz.com/profile/1028710 , has reported that his CV and name are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The email address used by the scammer is [email protected]

February 2015

February 3, 2015: Email addresses used by banned outsourcer 24translate.net

Banned outsourcer 24translate.net, http://www.proz.com/blueboard/40856 , has been reported to be contacting service providers from these email addresses: [email protected] and [email protected]

January 2015

January 22, 2015: Impersonation from email address [email protected]

Site members Laura&David Truncellito, http://www.proz.com/profile/37998 , have reported that their CV is being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The scammers are using their joint CV, with just "Laura Truncellito" as name, and from email address [email protected]

January 15, 2015: Scammer operating under name Global Speech Company

A potential overpayment scam has been reported to be sent from email address [email protected] , under the name "Karen Rowe". The claim that their address is Sarphatistraat 614 1018 AV Amsterdam, Netherlands, and that you need to send the invoice to [email protected] . But once you send the invoice, you discover that the email can't be sent and there's no such email address.

See http://wiki.proz.com/wiki/index.php/Translator_scam_alert_reports#March_26.2C_2014:_Overpayment_scam_from_Netherlands for a past alert sent for this scam, with different contact information.

January 12, 2015: Scammer operating under name "Daniele Guiducci"

A scammer using name "Daniele Guiducci" and email address [email protected] has been reported. This scammer contacted outsourcers to get translation work, and hired translators to do the translations. The scammer delivered the translation received from the service provider, got paid, and did not pay the hired translator.

January 9, 2015: Scammer operating under name "Rachel Coleman"

It has been reported that company Translate Media, http://www.proz.com/blueboard/7536 , is being impersonated by a scammer using name "Rachel Coleman" and email address [email protected]

January 8, 2015: CV hijacking under names "Robin Thompson" and "Li Thompson"

Site members Laura&David Truncellito, http://www.proz.com/profile/37998 , have reported that their CV and company name are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The names used by the scammer are "Robin Thompson" and "Li Thompson". The email address used by the scammer is [email protected]

November 2014

November 13, 2014: CV hijacking under name "Rebecca Kapborg"

ProZ.com member Helena Grahn, http://www.proz.com/profile/625790 , has reported that her CV is being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The scammer is operating under name "Rebecca Kapborg" and email address [email protected]

November 6, 2014: Advance payment scam under name "Thomas Greenbaum"

An advance payment scam sent through profile emails has been reported. The messages were sent under name "Thomas Greenbaum", from a profile with username "koochiepoochie" and email address [email protected] , and stated the sender was in search for a personal assistant.

Note that the messages were sent through ProZ.com by a profile with membership. The profile has since been removed, but keep in mind that site membership is not enough to prove that a person is a legitimate outsourcer. As always, further steps must be taken to verify the identity of a person before collaborating with them.

October 2014

October 10, 2014: Impersonation of site member

ProZ.com member Amanda Fearnley, http://www.proz.com/profile/1491380 , has reported that her name is being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers, with a fake CV. The email address used by the scammer is [email protected]

There was an account registed on Proz.com with that email address, that has since been removed. Other (removed) accounts associated with it had these sets of contact information:

Chloe Costantino , [email protected]
Eva Wouters, [email protected]
Kseina Alynikova, [email protected]

October 7, 2014: Advance payment scam under name "Robert Denard"

An advance payment scam sent through profile emails has been reported. The messages were sent under name "Robert Denard", from a profile with username "lucytrance" and email address [email protected] , and stated the sender was in search for a personal assistant. You can find more information about this scam at http://www.proz.com/topic/275663

October 6, 2014: Advance payment scam under name "Williams Gaye"

An advance payment scam using name "Williams Gaye" and email address [email protected] has been reported.

October 3, 2014: CV hijacking under name "Abir Amos"

ProZ.com user Mariana Lantzet, http://www.proz.com/profile/1332389 , has reported that her CV is being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The name used by the scammer is "Abir Amos" and the email address is [email protected]

October 2, 2014: Advance payment scam using name "Terry Gilbert"

An advance payment scam using name "Terry Gilbert" and email addresses [email protected] and [email protected] has been reported. See the forum thread at http://www.proz.com/topic/273418 for more information.

September 2014

September 29, 2014: Impersonation of a translator

ProZ.com member Heather Oland, http://www.proz.com/profile/125909 , has reported that her CV and name are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The email address used by the scammer is [email protected]

September 25, 2014: Impersonation of translation company Bel Air Language Services

A scammer is contacting service providers claiming to represent Bel Air Language Services, a legitimate translation company listed at http://www.proz.com/blueboard/37445 . The scammer uses email addresses hosted at @bellair.net. At the moment, this set of contact information has been identified as used by this scammer: "Shabnam Jaberian", [email protected] , [email protected] . The scammer had registered a profile on ProZ.com with username "belair_trns", which has been removed.

September 18, 2014: Advance payment scam using names "Bruce King" and "Gabriel Byrne"

These sets of names and email addresses have been reported to be advance payment scams: Bruce King , [email protected] ; Gabriel Byrne , [email protected] . In both cases, the email being sent to contact translators was:

"HI, Can you help me and translate an article? Please confirm your language combination ..Thanks"

In general, only scammers contact a translator without knowing first what is their working language combination. That question is a sign for fraudulent offers.

September 8, 2014: Potential advance payment scam using name "Lawrence MORENO"

A potential advance payment scam using name "Lawrence MORENO" and email address [email protected] has been reported on site forums: http://www.proz.com/topic/274334

August 2014

August 7, 2014: Advance payment scam using name "Hendrick Wenzeslaus"

An advance payment scam using name "Hendrick Wenzeslaus" and email address [email protected] has been reported. The email being sent out to contact freelancers included a question about the language pairs the translator worked in. That is a sign of scammers, since legitimate outsourcers check language pairs before contacting a translator, not after.

August 6, 2014: Advance payment scam using name "Mata Taylor"

An advance payment scam using name "Mata Taylor" and email address [email protected] has been reported on site forums: http://www.proz.com/topic/272990 . This is the message being sent out to contact freelancers:

"Hello, I am Miss Mata Taylor, I got your e mail address from a online forum that you are an excellent translator, I guess you would have worked for them. I will like you to translate an article for me, but first i need to know your language combination because it was not stated. I will be very happy if you can reply my e mail ASAP. Thank You"

July 2014

July 29, 2014: Advance payment scam using name "Dave Jones"

An advance payment scam using name "Dave Jones" and email addresses [email protected] has been reported. The scammer requested a translation of a document "to create more awareness on STD among teenager and mother which will be distributed in pamphlet also an initiation of my late wife to help kids,orphans and mothers". When translators received a check for more than the cost of the services provided, the scammer requested them to "return the difference fund to because the surplus is need to help the victim of typhoon haiyan in Philippines also to provide cloth,food and shelter for less privilege kids".

This is an example both of the writing style used by scammers and the stories they use to get service providers to lower their guards.

July 28, 2014: Advance payment scam using name "Victor Sanchez"

An advance payment scam using name "Victor Sanchez" and email address [email protected] has been reported. Note that the sender had registered a profile on ProZ.com, under username "likwidstate", and had purchased site membership. The profile has since been removed, but keep in mind that site membership is not enough to prove that a person is legitimate. As always, further steps must be taken to verify the identity of a person before collaborating with them.

July 28, 2014: Advance payment scam using name "David Prentice"

An advance payment scam using name "David Prentice" and email addresses [email protected] has been reported. Note that the name on the email address does not match the contact name exactly.

July 21, 2014: Advance payment scam through a job posting

Job posting http://www.proz.com/job/910696 has been reported to be an overpayment scam. The posting has been removed from ProZ.com now. The poster's name and email address were "Mercedes Pastor Segura" and [email protected] . An alert has been sent to all those who submitted a quote on that job posting.

July 21, 2014: Advance payment scam under name "Ashley Lopez"

An advance payment scam using name "Ashley Lopez" and email addresses [email protected] has been reported.

July 16, 2014: Advance payment scam under name "Rick Johnson"

An advance payment scam using name "Rick Johnson" and email addresses [email protected] has been reported on site forums: http://www.proz.com/topic/271931

July 15, 2014: Advance payment scam under name "Paul Carson"

An advance payment scam using name " Paul Carson" and email addresses [email protected] has been reported. Note that the sender had registered a profile on ProZ.com, under username "pooloffer", and had purchased site membership. The profile has since been removed, but keep in mind that site membership is not enough to prove that a person is legitimate. As always, further steps must be taken to verify the identity of a person before collaborating with them.

July 15, 2014: Advance payment scam under name "Maya Rigo"

A potential advance payment scam using name "Maya Rigo" and email addresses [email protected] has been reported.

July 14, 2014: Advance payment scam under name "Lauren Rose Ovens"

An advance payment scam using name "Lauren Rose Ovens" and email addresses [email protected] has been reported.

July 14, 2014: Advance payment scam under name "Carlos Orellana"

An advance payment scam using name "Carlos Orellana" and email addresses [email protected] has been reported.

July 12, 2014: Advance payment scam through a job posting

Job posting http://www.proz.com/job/913876 has been reported to be an overpayment scam. The posting has been removed from ProZ.com now. The poster's name and email address were "Carlos Garcia Aixela" and [email protected] . An alert has been sent to all those who submitted a quote on that job posting.

July 11, 2014: Advance payment scam under name "Paul Sharner"

An advance payment scam using name "Paul Sharner" and email addresses [email protected] has been reported. The scammer contacted translators requesting a translation of articles on teen pregnancy and human trafficking.

July 3, 2014: Advance payment scam under name "Hendrick Wenzeslaus"

An advance payment scam using name "Hendrick Wenzeslaus" and email addresses [email protected] has been reported.

June 2014

June 12, 2014: Advanced payment scam disguised as a request for a personal assistant

A probable scam sent through profile emails has been reported this week. The messages were sent under name "Andrew Doyle", from email address [email protected] , and stated the sender was in search for a personal assistant. Part of the tasks of being a personal assistant was to receive payments by check and then transfer funds to a supposed agent through Western Union, which indicates this is a variant of the advance payment scam.

Note that the messages were sent through ProZ.com, by a profile with membership. The profile has since been removed, but keep in mind that site membership is not enough to prove that a person is legitimate. As always, further steps must be taken to verify the identity of a person before collaborating with them.

June 10, 2014: The CV of a site member with the name of another one

ProZ.com member Anne Brulin, http://www.proz.com/profile/16010 , has reported that her CV is being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The name used by the scammer is "Stéphanie Soudais", with email addresses [email protected] and [email protected] . Note that Stéphanie Soudais is the name of a ProZ.com member, http://www.proz.com/translator/132717 , and those email addresses are not the ones she uses.

May 2014

May 27, 2014: Impersonation of a translator

ProZ.com user Rui Sousa, http://www.proz.com/profile/125715 , has reported that his CV and name are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The email address used by the scammer is [email protected]

May 26, 2014: Impersonation of a translator

ProZ.com member Geneviève Gillet-Ghenne, http://www.proz.com/profile/1513186 , has reported that her CV and name are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The email address used by the scammer is [email protected]

May 20, 2014: Advance payment scam under name "Alexander Lynch"

An advance payment scam under name "Alexander Lynch", using email address [email protected] , has been reported.

May 14, 2014: Impersonation under name "Mirna Salgueiro"

ProZ.com member Heloísa Helena Benetton Costa, http://www.proz.com/profile/33389 , has reported that her CV is being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The name used by the scammer is "Mirna Salgueiro" and the email address is [email protected]

May 13, 2014: Impersonation by Languagemet

ProZ.com member Loay Al-Dakhlallah, http://www.proz.com/profile/21683 , has reported that her CV and name are being used by a scammer, Languagemet, to contact outsourcers.

May 12, 2014: Advance payment scam

This set of information has been reported to be used by an advance payment scammer: "Wayne Cole", [email protected], phone number: (424) 261-3509 . This is the message sent to a translator as a reply to a request for a phone number:

Well, I dont always have time to talk on phone due to one meeting
or the other, I am always busy but you can send me text on
(424) 261-3509.
However,  Below are the details for the document. 

Title: RACISM AND PREJUDICE
Number of words: 17266
Deadline: 1st june, 2014
Mode of Payment: Check.
Audience : General Public

A copy of the document is attached, Kindly email me with the quote
per word and the total charges for the whole document. 


Thanks,
Wayne Cole

352 E Ellis Ave,
Inglewood, CA 90302
(424) 261-3509

May 3, 2014: Impersonation of site user

ProZ.com member e-beth, http://www.proz.com/profile/1023029 , has reported that her CV and full name are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The email address used by the scammer is [email protected] . The scammer sometimes signs emails as "Elizabeth".

May 2, 2014: Impersonation of site user

ProZ.com member Lucie Maruniakova, http://www.proz.com/translator/855551 , has reported that her CV and name are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The email addresses used by the scammer are [email protected] and [email protected]

April 2014

April 30, 2014: Impersonation by 24translate.net

Gianluca Cocorullo has reported that his CV, name and identity card are being used by a scammer linked to 24translate.net to contact outsourcers. The email addresses used by the scammer are [email protected] and [email protected]

April 21, 2014: Impersonation of site user

ProZ.com user HERBET Abel, http://www.proz.com/translator/1595450 , has reported that his name and CV are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The email address used by this scammer is [email protected]

April 18, 2014: Advance payment scammer posing as a student

An advance payment scam using name "Terry Mcbridge" or "Terry Mcbride" and email addresses [email protected] , [email protected] has been reported. In this case, the scammer is posing as a student.

April 15, 2014: Advance payment scam under name "Joe Taylor"

This set of information has been reported to be used by an advance payment scammer: "Joe Taylor", [email protected] . This is the message being sent out to contact translators:

Hello,

I'm Joe Taylor,I  got your email from the website
(http://www.atanet.org/) that you are a competent translator. I
have an article I want you to help me translate from (English into
Japanese).I would like to know your terms and how much it would
cost for the article? I have attached the article to this email so
you could check and let me know how long it would take to get it
translated? Hope to hear from you as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Joe Taylor.

April 11, 2014: set of names used for an advance payment scam

A set of advance payment scams coming from email address [email protected] have been reported on forum thread http://www.proz.com/topic/262354 . Some of the names being used by the scammer are "Monica Johnson" are "Mariam Brown".

April 10, 2014: Impersonation of a site member

ProZ.com member julie08065, http://www.proz.com/profile/912641 , has reported that her name and CV are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The email addresses used by the scammer are [email protected],[email protected], [email protected] and [email protected]

April 9, 2014: Impersonation of a site member

ProZ.com member Antonietta Di Gianni, http://www.proz.com/profile/801358 , has reported that her full name, and old CV and cover letter are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The email addresses used by the scammer are [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected] . You can find more information about this on site forums: http://www.proz.com/topic/255994

March 2014

March 27, 2014: Probable scam reported on site forums

A probable scam has been reported on ProZ.com forums: http://www.proz.com/post/2280835 . This is the email sent out to contact translators for this case, from email address [email protected] :

Hello
How are you doing today i came across your email on
translators site
www.ncta.org
I will kindly want to know the language your language
combinations,translate into from English ?

-- 
Flora Wilce
4900 Fernvale Rd Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield, CA 93306
6829365269
Best Regards

March 26, 2014: Impersonation of a translator

ProZ.com member Moofi, http://www.proz.com/profile/20097 , has reported that her CV and name are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. Email addresses used by the scammer are [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected]

March 7, 2014: Overpayment scam with name "Jose Cazorla Jimenez"

Job postings http://www.proz.com/job/859660 and http://www.proz.com/job/863579 have been reported to be overpayment scams. The postings have been removed from ProZ.com now. The poster's name and email address for them were "Jose Cazorla Jimenez" and [email protected] . An alert has been sent to all those who submitted a quote on those postings.

March 6, 2014: Overpayment scam from South Africa

An overpayment scam has been reported to be sent from email address [email protected] , under name "Teresa Lartuna". The message was sent from an IP address from South Africa.

March 26, 2014: Overpayment scam from Netherlands

An overpayment scam has been reported to be sent from email address [email protected], under the name "Samanta Howe". The claim that their address is Sarphatistraat 614 1018 AV Amsterdam, Netherlands, and that you need to send the invoice to [email protected] . But once you send the invoice, you discover that the email can't be sent and there's no such email address.

February 2014

February 27, 2014: Overpayment scam through a job posting

Job posting http://www.proz.com/job/857749 has been reported to be an overpayment scam. The posting has been removed from ProZ.com now. The poster's name and email address were "Roland Krenn" and [email protected] . An alert has been sent to all those who submitted a quote on that job posting.

February 20, 2014: Overpayment scam from a "Jonathan Cowan"

An advanced payment scam was reported on http://www.proz.com/topic/264775 . The message was sent under name "Jonathan Cowan", from email address [email protected] . The message was:

Hello ,I am Jonathan Cowan, I am a sociologist, i found your e mail address on the translator website, that you are a Translator, i will like you to translate an article for me, 
i have attached the article,  i will like the article to be translated to French . I will like to know the cost of translating the article, and the deadline is 25th of March 2014.

I will be waiting for your reply.

Thank You
Jonathan Cowan

February 14, 2014: Overpayment scam through a job posting

Job posting http://www.proz.com/job/861116 has been reported to be overpayment scam. The posting has been removed from ProZ.com now. The poster's name and email address were "Romo Massimiliano" and [email protected] . An alert has been sent to all those who submitted a quote on that job posting.

February 3, 2014: Impersonation of ProZ.com member

ProZ.com member DianeGM, http://www.proz.com/profile/586676 , has reported that her CV, her name and her picture is being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The email address used by the scammer is [email protected]

January 2014

January 28, 2014: Advance payment scam under name “David Benson”

An advance payment scam was reported through the support system. In this case, the name used by the scammer was “David Benson”, and the email address used was [email protected]

January 20, 2014: Overpayment scam as a job posting, by "Mattias Gillgren"

Job posting http://www.proz.com/job/852005 has been reported to be overpayment scam. The posting has been removed from ProZ.com now. The poster's name and email address was "Mattias Gillgren" and [email protected] . An alert has been sent to all those who submitted a quote on those postings.

January 16, 2014: Overpayment scam as a job posting, by "Gisela Hentges"

Job posting http://www.proz.com/job/850514 has been reported to be overpayment scam. The posting has been removed from ProZ.com now. The poster's name and email address was "Gisela Hentges" and [email protected] . An alert has been sent to all those who submitted a quote on those postings

January 13, 2014: Fraudulent profile messages by a "paultwinee"

A scam has been reported to be sent through profile messages through site forums and the support system today. The message was sent by user "paultwinee" from email address [email protected] . The profile that sent it has been removed, but it was located at http://www.proz.com/profile/1871267 . Note that the profile had purchased membership before sending out the profile messages. Keep in mind that site membership is not enough to prove that a person is legitimate. As always, further steps must be taken to verify the identity of a person before collaborating with them.

This is the message being sent out by the scammer:

Hi,

I am willing to employ a competent individual to become my
Part-time Personal Assistant.
Would you be interested?
If yes, email me and i will respond with a detailed job
description.

Warm regards,

Paul

January 13, 2014: Advance payment scam under name "Jensen Rolf"

An advanced payment scam through a job posting was reported. In this case, the name used by the scammer was "Jensen Rolf", and the email address used was [email protected] . The scammer replied to quotes stating that he had cancer and was seeking treatment in South Africa. This continues to be a sure sign to identify scams. The job posting has been removed, but was located at http://www.proz.com/translation-jobs/818368

January 9, 2014: Impersonation under name "Mario Greenway"

ProZ.com member Marion Greenway, http://www.proz.com/profile/1014754 , has reported that her CV is being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The name used by the scammer is "Mario Greenway" and the email address is [email protected]

December 2013

December 18, 2013: Advance payment scam using name "Tom Novak"

An advance payment scam was reported. In this case, the name used by the scammer was “Tom Novak”, and the email address used was [email protected]

December 18, 2013: Advance payment scam using name "Alan Weigel"

An advance payment scam was reported. In this case, the name used by the scammer was Alan Weigel, and the email address used was [email protected]

December 16, 2013: Advance payment scam using name "Suzan Lizzy"

An advance payment scam was reported through the forums: http://www.proz.com/topic/260891 . In this case, the name used by the scammer is Suzan Lizzy, and the email addresses used are [email protected] and [email protected]

December 13, 2013: Advance payment scams as job postings

Job postings http://www.proz.com/job/837338 and http://www.proz.com/job/834712 have been reported to be overpayment scams. The postings have been removed from ProZ.com now. The poster's name and email address for them were "Abraham Werner" and [email protected] . An alert has been sent to all those who submitted a quote on those postings.

December 6, 2013: Impersonation of a ProZ.com member

ProZ.com member Mohamed Rehan, http://www.proz.com/profile/1651573 , has reported that his CV is being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The names used by the scammer are "Haneen (Ahmed) Yousef", "Haneen Yousef"and "Haneen Said", using email addresses: [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected]

November 2013

November 28, 2013: Impersonation of a ProZ.com member

ProZ.com member marie-christine périé, http://www.proz.com/profile/68168 , has reported that her CV is being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The name used by the scammer is "John Adams" and the email address is [email protected]

November 22, 2013: Impersonation of a ProZ.com member

ProZ.com member Sameh Elnokaly, http://www.proz.com/profile/1256162, has reported that his name is being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The email address used by the scammer is [email protected] and the phone number included in his messages is fake. This is the message sent out by the scammer:

Subject: Italian to English 15,000 word Project - Call for
Translators
To:  

Dear Translators,

I am writing this emailing to enquiry about your availability to
translate a 15,000 word project which will be divided between
several Italian translators. 

My client is requesting this translation, but since I translate
only English into Arabic I am looking for a long term Italian
Partner.

No CAT Tools are required for this project and the subject is in
the contract field.

The deadline for this project is Thursday Noon/Evening.

When replying to this email please write the amount of words that
you can handle for the above date.

Thank you for your collaboration.

Venlig Hilsen / Kind Regards / Cordiali Saluti

November 12, 2013: Scammer from Gaza

Company Arcadia Translations, http://www.arcadia-t.com/ , has reported that their name is being used to contact service providers by emai. The email address used by the scammer is [email protected] , and the IP on the email addresses locates them in Gaza, like many other scams. This is the message being sent:

Hello
I'm working at  Arcadia translation company. Our company
offers many kinds of  the translation services , I am very
pleased to establish business with you, where I
work as a project coordinator  between the client and the
translator 
We are building our database of translators nowadays ,
hopfully to work with each other soon. Kindly , if you would
to join our database , please send me
your CV and cover  letter.
[email protected] via this Email :
looking for a positive reply.
Regards . Fadi mohd

November 12, 2013: Impersonation of a site member

ProZ.com member Alexa Dubreuil-Storer, http://www.proz.com/profile/58305 , has reported that her CV is being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The name used by the scammer is "Nicole Morisette" and the email address is [email protected]

November 8, 2013: Advanced payment scams through job postings

Job postings http://www.proz.com/job/828923 and http://www.proz.com/job/829709 have been reported to be overpayment scams. The postings have been removed from ProZ.com now. The name and email address for them were "Prohn Günter", [email protected] ; and "Thomas Daniel", [email protected]

November 7, 2013: Advanced payment scam

An advanced payment scam was reported on site forums: http://www.proz.com/topic/258920 . In this case, the name used by the scammer was Dr. David Bone. The message being sent out was:

Hello Melanie, 

I am Dr. David Bone by name,I got your email from atanet.org that you are
a translator.
I have this article i want you to help me translate from (English--German).
I would like to know your terms and how much it would cost for the article?
Hope to hear from you as soon as possible.

Dr. David Bone

November 1, 2013: Scammer operating under various names

AZZ Translation / Charles Azzopardy / Tecco Translations have been identified as identities used by a scammer contacting translators. These are the Blue Board records linked to those names: http://www.proz.com/blueboard/38864 , http://www.proz.com/blueboard/34805 , http://www.proz.com/blueboard/38729 . Other identities used by this scammer include the names David Higbee, Adam Matthews, among others that have not yet been identified. Note that these names are also used by legitimate translators. If you are contacted by a person with that name, make sure you are dealing with the legitimate translator.

More information about this scam can be found at http://www.jrdias.com/jrd-translator-scammers.htm#notes

October 2013

October 29, 2013: CV theft under name Alba Felix

ProZ.com member Adriana Latronico, http://www.proz.com/profile/61289 , has reported that her CV and name are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The CV includes name "Alba Felix" as well as her own, and is being sent from email address [email protected]

October 28, 2013: Attempt to gather data under name "Reham"

A new attempt by the impersonating scammers operating from Palestina to collect information from translators. This time they use the name Reham and email addresses [email protected], and [email protected] and the message says:

Thank you for your email.

I'm sorry for my little demand but we have a small request of one of our clients. Can you translate the words in red in Russian and deliver it asap.

Rate 0.04 USD/SW 

I will send the PO after receiving the final confirmation.

Many thanks for your answer
Regards
Reham

October 18, 2013: Impersonation of a ProZ.com member

ProZ.com member Alexander Schleber has reported that his name, CV and qualifications are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The scammer uses the name amy dan and claims to belong to 'Schleber & Co. bvba' using the email address [email protected]

October 17, 2013: Overpayment attempt from "Kevin C. Bruns"

A job was posted at ProZ.com earlier this week by ‘Kevin C. Bruns’ with email address [email protected] and the text “Translator who can translate a law file from English to French should kindly apply. Applications without a CV cannot be accepted.”

A colleague who applied received the following email:

“Thank you for your response. I am fighting with cancer at the moment and mostly in the hospital. I accept your quote and i am pleased to tell you that
i choose you to work on the project. My method of Payment is a euro bank Check. If you will agree with me,kindly let me know”

Payment in euro bank check by someone who claims to live in the U.S. is very suspicious, while “fighting a cancer” is the signature for a known “advance payment” scam. Translators are advised to stay away from this “job”.

October 15, 2013: Phishing attempt

A phishing attempt to get login details from hosting clients is being sent by an alleged 'CPanel Network Server Monitor´ from the address [email protected] with the text:

Subject:       Fatal ERROR! Data lost risk!
Message from CPanel Network Server Monitor
Item:  DRIVER=MYSQL Server; MYSQL Result: Fatal ERROR! Data lost risk! 
Explanation:   ERROR: Opening connection to database, ADO error: Unspecified error MYSQL Server does not exist or access denied.
To resolve this issue, please, restart MySQL Server, using this URL: {URL to the scammer's page}

Remember that a service provider will never ask you to submit your username and password. Also, any legitimate ProZ.com hosting emails should come from an @proz.com email address.

September 2013

September 25, 2013: Impersonation of a company

Company Eurologos Toronto, http://www.proz.com/blueboard/4317 , has reported that their name is being used by a scammer to contact service providers. The email address used by the scammer is [email protected] . Keep in mind that said company only uses email address hosted at eurologos-toronto.com.

September 24, 2013: Impersonation of a ProZ.com member

ProZ.com member Pasquale Capo, http://www.proz.com/profile/2203 , has reported that his CV and name are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The email address used by the scammer is [email protected]

September 19, 2013: Impersonation of a ProZ.com member

ProZ.com member DavidH, http://www.proz.com/translator/119147 , has reported that his name and CV are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The email address used by the scammer is [email protected]

September 17, 2013: Impersonation of a ProZ.com member

ProZ.com member Lara Barnett, http://www.proz.com/profile/1213228 , has reported that her name, CV and qualifications are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The email addresses used are [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected] The only email addressed used by Lara Barnett are [email protected] and [email protected]

September 12, 2013: Overpayment scams through job postings

Job postings http://www.proz.com/job/806410 and http://www.proz.com/job/811208 have been reported to be overpayment scams. The postings have been removed from ProZ.com now. The name and email address for them was "Roland Abraham", [email protected] ; and "Henry Aurélie", [email protected] .

September 6, 2013: Impersonation of a ProZ.com member

ProZ.com member Ingo Dierkschnieder, http://www.proz.com/profile/66920 , has reported that his CV is being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The name used by the scammer is "Aldo Emil", and the email addresses used by the scammer are [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected]

August 2013

August 30, 2013: Advanced payment scams with a text on agriculture

Job postings http://www.proz.com/job/799690 and http://www.proz.com/job/803824 have been reported to be advanced payment scams. Both requested the translation of a file from the OECD on agriculture. The postings have been removed from ProZ.com now. The name and email address for them was "Danz Vincent", [email protected] ; and "Jorg Arnold", [email protected] .

August 22, 2013: Impersonation of ProZ.com member "ChicagoPhDs"

A couple of eagle-eyed agencies (thank you!) have alerted us to another CV scam. ProZ.com member ChicagoPhDs http://www.proz.com/profile/81120, has discovered that modified materials from their wife/husband translation team CV (until recently openly available through their ProZ profile portal) are being used by scammers to contact translators and translation companies. The names used by the scammer are "Hisayo Shikakura" and "Gavin W. Hougham," and the scammer's email address is listed as [email protected]. Both of those names belong to real ProZ members dba ChicagoPhDs, but the real members do not use that gmail email address. The modified fake MSWord CV lists "Beso" as the author in the "Properties" section. To the best of our knowledge our ProZ profile and contact emails ([email protected], [email protected]) have not been compromised, so please contact us only through those emails or directly through our ProZ profile.

August 21, 2013: Advanced payment scam

An advanced payment scam through a job posting was reported. In this case, the name used by the scammer was "jose Luis Perez Santamaria", and the email address used was [email protected] The scammer replied immediately to quotes stating that he had cancer. This continues to be a sure sign to identify scams. The job posting has been removed, but was located at http://www.proz.com/job/803644

August 15, 2013: Impersonation of a ProZ.com member

ProZ.com member Gwynneth George, http://www.proz.com/profile/37108 , has reported that her CV is being used by scammers contacting translators and translation companies. The name used by the scammer is "Laura White", and the email address is [email protected] . Fake contact information included in the modified CV used by the scammer is "Date of Birth: February 5, 1965 Address: B219, East Dulwich, London/UK. Tel: +44(0) 7984 245 442"

August 8, 2013: Overpayment scam through PayPal

An overpayment scam has been reported. It was sent with the name "Tamara Nicole", and from email [email protected] A translation was requested on the subject of guidance to good health. Overpayment in this case was proposed through PayPal, in this message:

I just remembered that my transfer limit starts from USD 750. So, I will transfer the payment to your account and I will have your word that you will return the excess money to me after the payment. 
I really  need the job done and am really out of time. 
Please reply so I will know your decision.

August 7, 2013: Impersonation of company Crystal Samples

It was reported that company Crystal Samples, http://www.proz.com/blueboard/20701 , is being impersonated by a scammer. If you are contacted by Crystal Samples, by a person using email address [email protected] or [email protected], please report it to site staff so action can be taken. Please see http://www.proz.com/post/2131736#2131736 for more information.

August 5, 2013: Advanced payment scam

An advanced payment scam through a job posting was reported. In this case, the name used by the scammer was Tomas Gonzalez Ruiz, and the email address used was [email protected] The scammer replied immediately to quotes stating that he had cancer, and was seeking treatment in Cape Town. This continues to be a sure sign to identify scams. The job posting has been removed, but was located at http://www.proz.com/job/794236

July 2013

July 30, 2013: Samples of messages sent out by Translation Secrets

This message has been reported as being sent out by Translation Secrets, http://www.proz.com/blueboard/9086 , from email address [email protected] :

Dear freelancer, 

I am a project manager in a translation secrets company, I am interested to work with you and I am looking for excellent freelancer translators who can translate Italian > Portuguese and vice versa.  Freelancers must have the following qualifications.

1- Can finish the project within the agreed upon period

2- Have an experience of at least one year.

We are searching for the best to collaborate with us now and in the future. If you are interested please send your CV and cover letter to email [email protected]
you can get more information about my company from link http://www.translationsecrets.com/


Looking forward to hearing from you

If that message is replied to, they will send this authorization agreement:

Authorization and Agreement

Can you give us permission, authorization and agreement in order for us to send your CV to our clients?
If yes, we will remove your contact details to avoid direct contacts with clients. In this case, we will use a free email, in which we will include your CV in order to receive projects and therefore we  will reply on your behalf.  

We can also email your certificates if needed to clients on your behalf. We will give you the projects and in cases when you are not available, we will give the projects to other translators.

If you agree, you will be considered as a close team member and consequently you will be eligible for any developmental plan. This is part of group work based on mutual cooperation because the translation  market is full of competition. 

Please let me know so that we start work. If you agree, sign this authorization and agreement document. 

Your name

Your signature

July 29, 2013: Overpayment scam including a text on child trafficking

An overpayment scam has been reported. It was sent with the name "Louis GERRARD", and from email address [email protected] A translation was requested, on the subject of child trafficking.

July 22, 2013: Overpayment scam including a text on adolescence

An overpayment scam has been reported. It was sent with the name "Terry James", and from email address [email protected] . The message included an attachment titled "ADOLESCENCE" and read:

SERVICES NEEDED
 
Dear Sir/Ma,
 
Good Morning to you and am Terry James
 
Translators,Writer,Editor and Proofreader is needed urgently....If you are a translator check the document attach to this mail and let me know if you can translate it from English to Spanish,French,German  or what is your language combination i mean from English to which language can you translate to. 
 
But if you are a Writer,Editor and Proofreader get back to me so i can send you the document you are to edit and proofread?
 
So get back to me if you are available and i will like you review the document attach and let me know how much you charge per page or words.I will be waiting till i hear back from you.
 
Kind Regards,
TJ.
 
Terry James
202 Tours Street
Lafayette, Louisiana 70506

July 15, 2013: Impersonation of ProZ.com member C.Nanz

ProZ.com member C.Nanz, http://www.proz.com/profile/1434710 , has reported that her name and CV are being used by scammers contacting translators and translation companies. Email addresses known to be used by the scammer are [email protected] and [email protected] The only legitimate email addresses used by this translator are hosted at her professional websites: nanz-translations.com and nanz-uebersetzungen.de.

July 10, 2013: Translation Secrets sending translation tests including the logo of a legitimate company

It was reported that known scammers Translation Secrets, http://www.proz.com/blueboard/9086 , is sending out translation tests including the logo for Lingo24 Ltd., a legitimate company. Note that there is no connection between Translation Secrets and Lingo24. You can find the Blue Board record for Lingo24 Ltd. here: http://www.proz.com/blueboard/801 . The messages including those tests were sent out with name Mohammed Alkurd, from email address [email protected]

June 2013

June 28, 2013: Impersonation of ProZ.com member Patrizia Cipolla

ProZ.com member Patrizia Cipolla, http://www.proz.com/profile/100185 , has reported that her name and CV are being used by scammers contacting translators and translation companies. Email addresses known to be used by the scammer are [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected] . The only email addresses used by Patrizia Cipolla are [email protected] and [email protected] . If you are contacted in her name from any other email address, please report it to site staff.

June 25, 2013: Impersonation of company LanguageWire

It was reported through the support system that company LanguageWire is being impersonated by a scammer (Languagemet). If you are contacted by LanguageWire, with contact name Sara Tomson and email address [email protected], please report it to site staff so action can be taken.

June 7, 2013: Advanced payment scam

An advanced payment scam sent through profile messages was reported. In this case, the name used by the scammer was Eric Marchal, and the email address used was [email protected] The job poster had registered a profile (now removed) on ProZ.com as well, with username "Ericwork".

May 2013

May 29, 2013: Impersonation of a ProZ.com member

ProZ.com member Isabel Freitas has reported that her CV and cover letter are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The scammer uses email addresses [email protected] and [email protected]

May 28, 2013: Advanced payment scam

An advanced payment scam was reported through the support system. The name being used for the scam was "Nigel Jennett", and the email address [email protected] . The message being sent out was:

Greetings!

I'm Nigel Jennett, based in Atlanta,Georgia State in the
U.S.A.I'll be making a presentation to some groups of Hebrew
speaking people in Tel Aviv,Israel on the 12th of
July,2013.However,i will need you to help me translate some
documents from English to Hebrew,so each of my audience can have a
copy in their local language and they can follow through.The
deadline for the delivery of translations is July
9,2013.Please,let me have an estimate for the documents(see
attached).I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Best Regards,
Nigel

May 24, 2013: Advanced payment scam by a "salesattendant7"

An advanced payment scam sent through profile messages was reported. In this case, the name used by the scammer was Fried Morhart, and the email address used was [email protected] The job poster had registered a profile (now removed) on ProZ.com as well, with username "salesattendant7".

May 20, 2013: Impersonation

Proz.com member Sara Brown, http://www.proz.com/profile/111349 , has reported that her CV is being sent out by scammers (Languagemet) contacting translators and translation companies. The email addresses known to be used by the scammer are [email protected] and [email protected]

May 16, 2013: Impersonation of a ProZ.com member

ProZ.com member Imme Haage, http://www.proz.com/profile/82680 has reported that her name is being used by scammers contacting translators and translation companies. The email addresses known to be used by the scammer are [email protected] and [email protected]

May 15, 2013: Impersonation by Languagemet

ProZ.com member Annemieke Blondeel, http://www.proz.com/profile/1094155 , has reported that her name is being used by scammers (Languagemet) contacting translators and translation companies. An email address known to be used by the scammer is [email protected]

May 14, 2013: Advanced payment scam

An advanced payment scam through a job posting was reported. In this case, the name used by the scammer was Antonio Cilleros Sanchez, and the email address used was [email protected] The scammer replied immediately to quotes stating that he had cancer. This continues to be a sure sign to identify scams. The job posting has been removed, but was located at http://www.proz.com/translation-jobs/766796

May 14, 2013: Impersonation of an outsourcer

Company W&R Linguistic Services, http://www.proz.com/blueboard/11044 , has reported being impersonated by a person using the name "Shiona Oldham " and email address [email protected] . Keep in mind that said company only uses email address hosted at wilkes-rowe.com

May 9, 2013: Impersonation by Languagemet

ProZ.com member Gema Pedreda, http://www.proz.com/profile/995024has reported that her name is being used by scammers (Languagemet) contacting translators and translation companies, on http://www.proz.com/post/2135209#2135209 . The email addresses known to be used by the scammer are [email protected] and [email protected]

May 3, 2013: Impersonation of a ProZ.com member

ProZ.com member Sarai Pahla has reported that her name and CV are being used by scammers contacting translators and translation companies, on http://www.proz.com/topic/248243 . An email address known to be used by the scammer [email protected] . Sarai lists the only email addresses she uses on the forum post I linked.

April 2013

April 23, 2013: Advanced payment scam with a text on child abuse

An advanced payment scam was reported through the support system. The name being used for the scam was "Nuvo Wolfsberg", and the email address [email protected] . The message being sent out was:

Dear Translator, 

I got your contact from http://www.vzv.info and your service is needed urgently for the translation of an article, I want the document titled CHILD ABUSE worth 10,382 word to be translated from English to  Dutch with the fixed deadline date (15/06/2013). 

Here are the details about the document: 

Source Language: English 
Target Language: Dutch
Subject: Child Abuse
Total Word Count: 10,382 
Delivery Date: June 15th, 2013

Please confirm to me on your availability for this project including the following: 

* Your price rate per source word 
* Mode of payment
* Terms and conditions that surrounds your service. 

I await your mail while i supply you with more detail. 

Best Regards,
Nuvo Wolfsberg

April 23, 2013: Advanced payment scam directed at interpreters

An advanced payment scam was reported through the support system. The name being used for the scam was "Edmonds Bate" and "Ed Bate", and the email address [email protected] . The message being sent out was:

Hi,
My wife and two daughters will be visiting Mississauga ON in May 20th 2013,i need a reputable french translator,kindly write about your self and the couple of works you have done.
Let me tell you a little more about my family.
My daughter's names are Lizzy Edmond's,19 Judy Edmond's she is 21 years,both single.they don't drink or smoke,their hobbies are reading,swimming for fun and playing golf most of the time. My Full Name: Mr.  Edmond's Bate, and my wife's name: Keisha Edmond's We have been happily married for over 40 years now and we are richly blesses with two daughters.
We are very happy families and my kids are very nice and respectful and responsible. We live in UK, I worked with UN in the UK while my wife is a Nurse.
Hoping to hear from you.
Ed.

April 22, 2013: Modified "Nigerian" scam

A modified "Nigerian scam" was reported as being sent through profile message. The email address was [email protected] and the name was "Mr Jack Alex" or "Alex Inter Sarl". The IP address locates the sender in Benin, Africa. This is the message being sent out:

Dear Friend,
I am Mr.Jack Alex, I want to know if you can allow me invest
my money in your company as your partner.

I have been into real estate business for many years until
my recent retirement following my doctor's advice for me to
avoid any form of stress because of my failing health.

please tell me, can you invest my money for me? if you
agree, we shall both share the total annual profit.

I am contacting you for this Because I do not want any of my
family member to be aware of this, I therefore demand you
treat this very confidential.

I will give you details of the funds and the transfer as
soon as I receive your response.

I seek for your corporation and sincerity towards this
business. Please contact me immediately via email:
[email protected] with your complete names
,age,occupation, address, and numbers (Phone and Fax)

Most Regard.
Mr.Jack Alex,
22997736478

April 16, 2013: Another advanced payment scam

An advanced payment scam through a job posting was reported. In this case, the name used by the scammer was Gervais Frederic, and the email address used was [email protected] The scammer replied immediately to quotes stating that he had cancer. This continues to be a sure sign to identify scams. The job posting has been removed, but was located at http://www.proz.com/translation-jobs/756254

April 16, 2013: Advanced payment scam

An advanced payment scam through a job posting was reported. In this case, the name used by the scammer was Giuseppe Calcagno, and the email address used was [email protected] The job posting has been removed, but was located at http://www.proz.com/job/758663

The scammer replied to quotes with this message:

Hello (name),

Thank you for your response. I am fighting with cancer and mostly in the hospital.This text is private for my client and not to be published in anyway. 
I accept your quote of (proposed price) and delivery  date also i am pleased to tell you that i choose you to work on the project. 
My client method of Payment is a Euro bank Cheque. If you will agree with me, let me know so i can email to you my information  for invoice and you can start.
 
I hope to hear from you soon.

Regards

April 15, 2013: Impersonation of a ProZ.com member

ProZ.com member Beatriz Cirera has reported that her CV and name are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The CV has been modified to include this contact information:
Te.: 54 3572 527921
Fax: 54 3262 438531
Cell: 54 3392 15294784
Email(s) : [email protected]
[email protected]

April 11, 2013: Impersonation of a ProZ.com member

ProZ.com member Marianne Pasty-Abdul Wahid has reported that her name and an old modified version of her CV are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The name used by the scammer is just "Marianne Pasty" and the email address is [email protected]

April 10, 2013: Advanced payment scam using the name of a real person

An advanced payment scam was reported through the support system and on the forum dedicated to scams: http://www.proz.com/forum/scams/246719-scam_using_existing_persons_name.html. It consists of messages sent with name "Ralph Damani", a former football player, and from email address [email protected] The message being sent out to contact translators is:

Hello,
My name is Ralph Damani from New York,USA.I need you to
translate a document for me from English to Japanese as i
will be coming to Japan next month to scout for football
player.See the attached file and let me know the total
cost.I will await your response.

Regards
Ralph

April 9, 2013: Impersonation of a ProZ.com member

ProZ.com member Mustafa Er has reported that his CV and picture are being used by a scammer to contact outsourcers. The name used by the scammer is "Ahmet Abdullayev" and the email address is [email protected]

April 8, 2013: Advanced payment scam

A new instance of an advanced payment was reported in a job posting. In this case, the name used by the scammer was Walker Heidi, and the email address used was [email protected] The job posting has been removed, but was located at http://www.proz.com/translation-jobs/752822

Seeing that this scam was originally posted as a job posting on ProZ.com, it is worth noting that job postings are approved if they meet the set of rules listed on http://www.proz.com/?sp=siterules&mode=show&category=jobs_posting , and it is often not possible to determine if a few are fraudulent in nature. That is why from ProZ.com we constantly remind service providers to make thorough risk management checks before accepting a job, and supply resources like this risk management guide: http://wiki.proz.com/wiki/index.php/Risk_management_for_translators_and_interpreters

If you find a job posting that could be fraudulent, please report it to site staff by submitting a support request: http://www.proz.com/support/

March 2013

March 28, 2013: A member reports that his name and CV are being used by scammers

ProZ.com member Sebastian Witte has reported that his name and CV are being used by scammers contacting translators and translation companies, on http://www.proz.com/topic/245932 . Email addresses known to be used by the scammer are [email protected] and [email protected] . Sebastian lists the only email addresses he uses on the forum post I linked.

March 22, 2013: Advanced payment scam

An advanced payment scam was reported that had been posted as a job on ProZ.com. The name used was "Thomas Gård" and the contact email address [email protected] . As usual, the job poster claimed to be ill and in need of surgery.

March 19, 2013: Translation secrets operating through Skype

It was reported on http://www.proz.com/topic/245399 that Translation Secrets, http://www.proz.com/blueboard/9086 , has been approaching freelancers through Skype. The name on one of the skype accounts used was "Bisan Jonathan" , and the Skype ID was bisan.jonathan.

March 15, 2013: Messages from Languagemet with name "Riham"

Another set of contact information used by Languagemet was reported on http://www.proz.com/topic/245236 . The name used was "Riham" and the email address was [email protected] . This is the message being sent:

Hello
Nice to meet you and it is a pleasure to deal with you.
I am a project manager in Language Met company for
translation, we have many projects in your language pair
andI have seen your profile and
will be glad if you accept to work with each other in the
nearly future .
I wait for your swift respond so I can give you more details
and I
hope to be positive .
Thank you and be blessed ,,,
Regards
Riham

March 12, 2013: Two advanced payment scams

Two advance payment scams were reported, using the following sets of contact information:

Segi Carrasco Esteve, [email protected] Teles David, [email protected]

Both scammers mentioned being ill in the emails they sent.

March 7, 2013: Advanced payment scam by a "Donaldson Brian"

An advanced payment scam using the name "Donaldson Brian" and email address [email protected] has been reported. This is the message being sent out:

Hello,
My name is Donaldson Brian from Michigan,USA.I need you to
translate a document for me from English to Chinese as i
will be going to china next month to scout for football
player.See the attached file and let me know the total
cost.I will await your response.

Regards
Donaldson

March 4, 2013: Messages and email addresses used by Translation Secrets

A set of messages used by Translation Secrets, http://www.proz.com/blueboard/9086 , trying to gather CVs used by translators has been submitted through the support system. The email address used to send these messages was [email protected] and the name "Lola abd" . I paste the messages below:

Subject: Re: An English to Japanese translator needed


I am interested in your CV.

Can you give us permission and agreement in order for us to send
your
CV to our clients?

If yes, we will remove your contact details to avoid direct
contacts
with clients.

We will give you the projects and in cases when you are not
available,
we will give the projects to other translators.
Please let me know so that we can start collaboration.

Best regards

Dear ,

I got your contact details from your C.V on Proze.com ,, There is no problem if you translate only from Japanese to English
.
We will discuss everything don't worry it will be negotiated when
I give you the project ,you can give us your rate and the way you
want us to pay for you .. waiting for your reply .

March 2, 2013: Names and email addresses used by advanced payment scammers

Several reports of advance payment scams were made in the last few days. The contact information used by the scammers were names "Larry Gordon" and "Dolores Blanco Perez", and [email protected] and [email protected] as email addresses.

February 2013

February 26, 2013: Impersonation of company Perfect Translations

It was reported on http://www.proz.com/topic/243857 , that company Perfect Translations is being impersonated. If you are contacted by Perfect Translations, with contact name Leslie Bosch and an email address NOT hosted at perfecttranslations.com, please report it to site staff so action can be taken. You can read more information about this scam in the forum post linked above.

Additionally, good advice on how to handle fraudulent job offers has been posted by a user at http://www.proz.com/post/2100565#2100565

February 22, 2013: Message being sent out by Languagemet

A message sent by Languagemet reported on http://www.proz.com/post/2098672#2098672 . The email address used was [email protected] and the IP address was 37.8.63.69 (Palestinian territories). This is the message that was being sent out:

Dear  Lau as apart of my work , I am doing my best to find translators

who are qualified enough to  be with me in my  work , so after I have read your CV , and found it so interesting . I see it
will be  more than Great  to work with a translator as skilled as

you so do please send me your CV and your cover letter to my e-
mail address [email protected] to be with me in the upcoming work Kind regards Project Manger Jasmine

February 21, 2013: Emails addresses used by Translation Secrets / Languagemet

A list of email addresses used by Translation Secrets / Languagemet: http://www.proz.com/blueboard/9086 , has been made supplied through the support system. They have been blocked from ProZ.com, but be wary if you receive emails from these addresses: [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected]

February 14, 2013: Fraudulent job offers in the name of Woodridge Hotel

The following job being currently offered to translators is a scam:

Woodrigde Hotel urgently requires the services of reputable and devoted translators. Qualified persons should contact us immediately for job placement.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
Employment Type: Full Time
Monthly Salary: depending on level of experience
Preferred Language of Resume/Application: English
Years of Work Experience: One year minimum
Benefits: Accommodation, Relocation allowance, transportation allowance, one hour of lunch break(meal) every day, six (6) weeks paid annual leave every year, fourteen (14) days of paid sick leave per calendar year.

The message is being sent in the name of a "Nicholas Gotler" from email address [email protected] , from an IP in Lagos, Nigeria. If you receive this offers, please let site staff know so action can be taken.

February 12, 2013: More translators report being impersonated

The scam alert message sent yesterday was anwered by two new reports of ProZ.com members CVs being used by scammers to scam clients and other translators.

Clothilde Courtois reports that her identity and CV are being stolen by scammers using the email address [email protected]

Also, Mihail Mateev's CV is being appropriated by scamers who use the name Emma John and the email address [email protected]

Both translators and outsourcers should make sure to have a positive identification of strangers contacting them with a business
proposition. In the case of an agency contacted by a translator, they should for instance ask for confirmation using the "sent email"
feature in the service provider's ProZ.com profile.

February 11, 2013: Scammers impersonating Ana Maria Gomes da Costa

ProZ.com member Ana Maria Gomes da Costa reports that her CV is being used by scammers offering translation services in her name from the fake address [email protected]

February 8, 2013: Scammers impersonating Silvia Cipriani

A user has reported on http://www.proz.com/topic/242863 that her CV and name are being used by impersonators. If you are contacted by people using email addresses [email protected] or [email protected] please report them to site staff. These addresses are not used by the real Silvia Cipriani.

February 6, 2013: New message from Translation Secrets

There have been reports of messages sent by banned company Translation Secrets, http://www.proz.com/blueboard/9086, using email address [email protected] This is the text on the emails:

Hello
Are you available please. 
 I have 20k words i need on the 7th of this month, but you can take  a part of it, and the rate is 0.035$/source word.
I'm not paid much for this, cause the client might send more work,  means the project is big, in this case, the client pays less.
Let me know if you could help. 
The pair is Swedish to English and the field is technical. 
Kind Regards,

January 2013

January 30, 2013: Further information on a previously reported scam

Further information has been supplied on an advance payment scam reported in the scam alert sent on January 18. The scammer has used several different names: Renardo, Dernador, Denardo and Victor Denard. The email address is the same as reported before: [email protected] This person's access to ProZ.com has been blocked. You can find more information about this on http://www.proz.com/topic/241481

January 28, 2013: a Magazine publisher in Ghana

A scam message is being sent using the email address [email protected] and the name Terry John, from "a Magazine publisher in Ghana", but the
IP address is from Nigeria, the name of the agency is not revealed and the email address is a free account (OK for individuals but an alert when used
by alleged corporate clients):

We are a Magazine publisher in Ghana, Africa. 
Our client requires a magazine from us to be made in French/Spanish,as a result,we want to outsource the translation of a part of it .
We are in need of a competent translator from English to French/Spanish.
Please we would like to know if you are available to do that at this time with a 2 weeks deadline?
Let me have a quote for the attached document.
Where are you located?
Expecting to hear from you soon.
Regards
Terry John

January 23, 2013: Messages from "Gate Scott"

A scam message is being reported as sent using the name 'Gate Scott' and email addresses [email protected] and [email protected]:

Subject: {language}
Hello,
I'm Scott,Can you translate the attached document to {language} and can it be delivered before 10th of Feb,2013?
Reply asap with your rate and charges.
Scott
9548376593

January 21, 2013: Beginner colleague victim of an overpayment scam

The following report was received about an overpayment scam poster using the email address tmxycw10(AT)gmail.com

After discussing with XXX who agreed to my quote, we decided that I would translate a medical document about cancer and that I would deliver it on 19 November.

This person told me she suffered from cancer herself but after checking her name and address on Internet, I just felt sorry for her and I started 
working on the translation.

The work was done on time and a few days later, I received the Euro payment by checks but my bank has just advised me that the checks were fake!
(apparently, it takes about 5 weeks to check the authenticity of the checks when they actually said to me that it would take 10 days..but that’s a different story)

I am a beginner in the translation industry and I worked very hard to do a high quality translation work (around 5000 words and three days work) but 
this person abused me. Needless to say that I tried to contact her but she had long been gone! I have decided to press charges against this person 
although I am aware that this might be useless. However, please let your members know about my misfortune and kindly tell them to be suspicious if  
someone asks them to translate such a document and if they are asked to transfer any money difference via Western Union."

The golden rule when approached by a stranger with a business proposition is getting verifiable contact information and verifying it. In this case the
name, address and phone number provided could be found in Google, but of course the same info could be picked from the same source by the scammers,
and you are at risk if you trust that they are related to the email address provided.
Calling the phone number provided adds an independent verification, and this small investment can protect you from being scammed.

January 18, 2013: Scam messages from a profile with membership

A profile with membership has been reported to send emails. The username on the profile was "Renardo" and the email address used was [email protected] . The profile has since been removed, but it serves as a warning that even messages sent by profiles that are currently members of ProZ.com should be checked with risk management practices, like the ones specified on http://wiki.proz.com/wiki/index.php/Detecting_and_reacting_to_false_job_offers_and_other_scams and http://wiki.proz.com/wiki/index.php/Risk_management_for_translators_and_interpreters .

January 15, 2013: Scam messages from spopleim

The following message sent by ProZ.com profile "spopleim" (currently deleted) has been classified as very likely to be a scam.

Good Evening,
Translators/Interpreters needed in {country}.
Email for more information.
Thanks.

Email addresses reported include [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected]

January 10, 2013: Fred Hills does not care about rates

Scam job offer allegedly sent by "Fred Hills" using the address [email protected]

Hello,
My name is Fred Hills and I am from the UK. My clIents need
reliable persons that will translate some document therefore, We
need efficient translators that are capable of translating the
documents for my organisation. 

Below are the details:
Subject: Conflict Management 
Return date: 30 April , 2013 (Let me know if this date is not ok
for you)
Mode of payment: secure cashier cheque
Language of document : English 
Langauge to be translated to : French or German

Note: Please if you cannot translate the document to the stated
languages, Please advise me on the languages that you can do so
that I will advise my clients.

Do get back to me as soon as possible and let me know if you are
capable to translate it.
Once I recieve your email i will send the documents to you.
Regards

Besides the poor English and the total lack of information on the organization or the project, a Google search will show that the address [email protected] has been involved in several scams. Also note that they state a target language and a deadline but they are very ready to compromise on both, and they don't ask about your rates!

January 9, 2013: Cindy Ross and Brooke Nelson

Overpayment scam messages have been reported, sent using the name 'cindy ross', address cr250025(at)gmail.com or 'Brooke Nelson', address brnelson2500(at)gmail.com

"Hello,
As am browsing through the profiles translators on proz.com I came across your profile,I kindly want you to translate my book that I need to translate 
kindly get back to me on the language you handle from English If you are interested in translating for me kindly contact me back immediately you  
received my message for more information about the project."

A colleague who wrote to discuss rates and deadlines got the following reply (that also asked for a lot of personal and banking data):

"Attached is the project. Payment shall be in 2x . First payment of 50% and the balance of 50% on completion or a week to 2 weeks interval.I await the 
total estimates and necessary details to making the payment. My client has chosen check payment this has been method of payment from the past."

Again the warning signs are the lack of details on outsourcer and project, the fact that they ask you for your language pairs, focus on payment over
rates and deadlines, very poor language skills and inconsistencies such as moving from "my book" to "my client".

January 7, 2013: Update on scams reported

The classic “private investor” overpayment scam reported again, using name 'stiven wilson' and email address [email protected]

Hello,
As am browsing through the profiles on www.translatorpub.com I came across your profile,I kindly want you to translate one of my book that I need to translate ,am a private investor. If you are interested  in translating for me kindly let me know the language you can handle from English, kindly contact me back immediately you received my message for more information about the project.

And a still simpler scam sent by 'Michael' from [email protected]

I would like to translate the book in engineering from English to German.
The book contain 893 pages.
If you are interested, please let me know your rate, lead time and your CV.
Regards,
Michael

January 4, 2013: Probable scam message sent by "Jasmine Adamz"

A probable scam message sent by "Jasmine Adamz" has been reported through the support system. The message reads:

Dear (name)
I have read your CV and I found it so interesting . I will be more
than happy to work with a translator as skilled as you so do
please send me your CV and your cover letter to my e-mail address
Friend.of.translation(AT)gmail.com to be with me in the upcoming
work
Kind regards Project Manger Jasmine

Please note that no organization is mentioned here. When the translator asked for more details, the 'client' replied:

sorry not to mention that ,I Work at languagemet company which is
Known as one of the leading language services providing with
clients based all over the world .Ever since it started. We cover
translations for all languages. Our skillful translators and
linguists are chosen for their fluency and expertise in a wide
range of market sectors along with their cultural and commercial
awareness ensuring that your translation is not mere words.

Besides the poor English, you will find information on this company at http://www.proz.com/blueboard/9086 and forum threads http://www.proz.com/topic/230462 and http://www.proz.com/topic/238933

January 1, 2013: Laqueen Hotel asks for interpreters

A job asking for interpreters has been posted by La Queens Hotel but a deeper investigation later revealed that the hotel's web page has been copied from another web page belonging to Heartland Hotel Corporation. The corresponding domain was created on Dec 04, 2012.

Because of this, the posted job is considered to be a scam operation similar to the one described here

December 2012

December 31, 2012: Andrew Miller reported very active again

Overpayment scammer Andrew Miller, already reporrted in our scam alert of September 3, 2012, is being reported as very active, with
the following message (target language changes depending on the victim):

“Greetings,
I'm Andrew,I need to make a presentation to some groups of French speaking people in Paris,France.I need you to translate the papers
from English to French.Moreover can it be delivered before 27th of Jan,2013?
Let me know your rate and charges.Presentation is attached,looking forward to hear back from you soon.
Andrew
8305154169”

Documents attached:

Mergers_and_acquisitions[1].docx
Regional Seminar on Economic Dynamics of Newly.doc

Email addresses used: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

December 27, 2012: Likely scam messages from Palestina

A likely scam has been reported through the forums and the support system. This is the forum post about it http://www.proz.com/topic/239819 .
In both cases, the email address used was [email protected] and the contact name Georg Ayala or George Ayala . While the offer does not include
any giveaway signs of being fraudulent, the IP address is from Palestine, which is suspicious considering the ongoing scams reported on ttp://www.proz.com/topic/230462
Remember that messages sent through ProZ.com show the IP address of the sender, which can be used to track their location with LookUp tools such as
the one on http://www.melissadata.com/Lookups/iplocation.asp

December 20, 2012: Advanced payment scam with a repeated set of contact information

An instance of an advanced payment scam was reported recently. In this case, the name used was "Ana Mesa". This is the correspondence reported by a user as sent by this person:

1-
Hello,
As am browsing through the profiles translators on
www.translatorpub.com I came across your profile,I kindly want you
to
translate one of my book that I need to translate kindly get back
to
me on the language you handle from English If you are interested
in
translating for me kindly
contact me back immediately you received my message for more
information about the project.
Thanks,
Regards 

2-
Attached is the project. Payment shall be in 2x . First payment of
50%
and the balance of 50%oncompletion or a week to 2 weeks interval.
I await the total estimates and necessary details to
making the payment. My client has chosen check payment this has
been
method of payment from the past. Email me your
full Name:
Address:
City:
Country
State:
Zip Code:
Phone:
The details above shall be used to forward the pament to you.
Regards. 

3-
Hello
your details as been forwarded I will kindly persuade you that we
should wait for the process of the payment and then commence on
the
files for the translation. Honesty is a key to a successful
career, so
please confirm to me when you receive the payment. Thanks
Regards 

4-
Hello
There is no need for you to open another account before you cash
this Travelers Cheques, you can easily cash it instantly either
at
your bank or at any bank around you, but the bank will only
deduct
exchange fee from the money. Below are the
instruction for cashing the Travelers Cheques, Firstly, you must
sign
and write your name on each Cheques from home before going for
the
cashing at your bank, but you will have to write the date and
countersign at the bank when the cashier instruct you to do so.
AT
HOME BEFORE GETTING TO THE BANK A) You must put your signature on
the
first line of all cheques where it says "SIGN HERE IMMEDIATELY
UPON
RECEIPT OF THIS TRAVELERS CHEQUE" B) Write your names on the 2nd
line
where it says
"PAY TO THE ORDER OF"exactly as it appears on your identity
material
to be used because Payee may ask for your ID; a driving licence
or
passport should suffice, and doing so would most usefully be
towards
the end of comparing the signature on the ID with those on the
Cheques. AT THE FRONT OF THE BANK CASHIER C)Write the date on the
last
line where it says "DATE" D) You shall sign again on the last
line
where it says "COUNTERSIGN HERE IN PRESENCE OF THE PERSON
CASHING"
Please this instructions are very important and will enable you
in
exchanging the Cheques instantly. Waiting to hear from
you soonest.

Note that the contact information was "12 Belgrave Rd London E13 8RS, UK +44 703 591" a set of information that has already been reported to be used by these kind of scams.

December 18, 2012: Impersonation of company Indus Translation Services

It was reported on http://www.proz.com/topic/239593 that a scammer has been contacting translators impersonating Indus Translation Services, http://www.proz.com/blueboard/7728, using email address [email protected]

Please read the report on http://www.proz.com/topic/239593, and be wary of offers by Indus Translation Agencies sent by an email address not hosted at http://www.industranslation.com/

December 14, 2012: Kenneth Clark and the racial discrimination

Earlier this month we reported a scam attempt asking for the translation of a document on sex discrimination and now we got one on racial discrimination. Overpayment scammers tend to use certain "signature" issues or expressions over and over again. This time 'Kenneth Clark' wrote:

Dear Translator,
Your service will be needed urgently for the translation of an article from English to Chinese, I have a son that studies in University of Lyon, 
France, He wants the document to be translated from English to Chinese on Perspectives on Racial descrimination in a society worth 12,350 words with 
the deadline date(28/01/2013).
Please confirm to me on your availability for this project, your price rate per source word also get back to me on your terms and conditions that 
surrounds your service.
I await your mail while i supply you with more detail.
Best Regards,
Kenneth Clark

December 10, 2012: Translation secrets asks for permission to use your CV

The same 'Authorization and Agreement' form reported in our alert messages of September 12, October 16 and December 7 has been sent to a colleague by Mohammed Rantisi using the email [email protected]

Hi,
I am projects manager from translation secrets company and I saw your profile in proz.comand I found you qualified to work with us as translator. 
Please sign attached paper to start sending projects to you.
Best regards,
Mohammed Rantisi |Translation Secrets Project Management & Recruitment Department Office | Gaza, Palestine.
URL: www.TranslationSecrets.com"

December 9, 2012: Another victim of the 'presentation abroad' scam

Another colleague reported being the victim of the 'presentation abroad' scam, this time from a "client" using the name 'Mark Davis of Eagle Finance in Atlanta, GA' and the address markdv112(AT)gmail.com

The message was:

I'm Mark Davis from Atlanta,Georgia and i'll be heading to the United Kingdom for a business presentation on Monday.I'll be making a
presentation to some groups of Japanese speaking people in Tokyo on the 10th of January.I will need you to help me translate some
documents from English to Japanese,so each of my audience can have a copy in their local language and they can follow through.The
deadline for the delivery of translations is January 7,2012.Please,let me have an estimate for the documents(see attached).I look  
forward to hearing back from you soon."

The translator received a check for 4 times the agreed amount and was asked to cash it and return the balance to the scammer via Western Union. The translator didn't fall for it, but lost the work done for the scammer.
Remember to always get verifiable contact information from the 'clients' and verify it. Also be double careful when you get messages from alleged corporations sent from a free email address.
Finally, be familiar with current scams. This particular scam has been reported many times though these alerts. Help other colleagues get protected, let them know about this service!

December 7, 2012: Requests to use your CV still active

The scam operation based in Gaza, Palestine reported at http://www.proz.com/topic/230462 is still being reported as active. Translators have been asked
to authorize the use of their CVs and personal and professional data by 'maiss shanti' and 'Jennifer Tom', with the following message:

I Work at languagemet company which is Known as one of the leading language services providing with clients based all over the world .Ever since it 
started. We cover translations for all languages. Our skillful translators and linguists are chosen for their fluency and expertise in a wide range of 
market sectors along with their cultural and commercial awareness ensuring that your translation is not mere words.
looking forward to hearing from you, Kind regards.

The document attached to these messages was the same already reported in our scam reports dated September 12 and October 16.
This kind of scam is described in this article

December 4, 2012: Sex discrimination report still around

An old overpayment scam is still around, this time using the name Isaac Jones. The first message states:

Dear Translator,
Thank you for getting back to me and I'm sorry for my late response. The project is meant for my professional course in Linguistic, most importantly, 
I'm also a lecturer in one of the American Universities situated in West Africa (Houdegbe North American University Republic of Benin). 
I would like to know your exact rate/charge per word for the translation, so as to enable me proceed to payment arrangement as soon as we both reach a  
mutual agreement.
Find the enclosed attachment of the project. The translation deadline is scheduled for 1 month starting from January 1st, 2013.
Should you have any question, do not hesitate to contact me immediately.
I await your urgent reply in due time.
Kind regards,
Isaac Jones.

The second message states:

I'm delighted you finally agree to translate the project (SEX DISCRIMINATION OR GENDER INEQUALITY) and I quite agree with your price quote for the 
document to be translated, though I would like to propose a payment via money order or Bank certified check. However, If this is okay by you, kindly in 
the mean time get back to me with your address in this format as listed below:
1: Full name to be written on the Check
2: Street address
3: City
4: Zip code
5: Mobile telephone number
I hope to read from you soon.
Kind regards,
Isaac Jones.

November 2012

November 28, 2012: Scams from a job posting

A new instance of an advanced payment was reported in a job posting. In this case, the name used by the scammer was Brun Philippe, and the email address used was brunp10(AT)gmail.com. The job posting has been removed, but was located at http://www.proz.com/translation-jobs/716303

If you find a job posting that could be fraudulent, please report it to site staff by submitting a support request: http://www.proz.com/support/

November 27, 2012: New scam from Gaza

A new scam from Gaza was reported as received via email and it was also briefly published in a portal for translators. The message was sent from the address malmalaleha(AT)gmail.com and it wrote.

I am “Dr .Mansour Project Manager “looking for translators to assist with an English to French translation project. Project in department of 
Pharmacology to translate Prescription from English to French. This project of one Prescription between five hundred to tow thousand words. 
I will pay for this job 0.08 EUR per word

November 22, 2012: A sign to watch for

We would like to report a sign to watch for in emails: the word "soonest" at the close of the messages is present in our scam alert reports of July 2, May 8, May 4, May 3, April 3 and February 26.

"Awaits your mail soonest" can be traced to overpayment scams in arms sales http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-181415.html , audio sales http://forums.audiworld.com/archive/index.php/t-2196988.html , fake job offers http://forum.419eater.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=151554 , requests for web design http://www.scamwarners.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=53035 , rewriting services http://bloodstreamcity.blogspot.com.ar/2012/04/lemonade.html.

They also target translators, as in the following message sent by a 'Debby Stanton' from the address susyjordan1(AT)gmail.com (Susy Jordan was the name used for the graphic design scam above):

Morning,
I Am Debby Stanton and your services as a translator is needed and
i want to know if you are available.
I attach the document to this mail for you to take a look if you can
translate it also let me know how much you charge per words.
I wish you a lovely week ahead and awaits your mail soonest.

November 20, 2012: Advance payment / overpayment scam

A member has reported being contacted for the translation of a brochure on sexual education for teenagers. When she replied to the offer, the outsourcer
replied offered payment using a cheque. This is a case of advanced payment scam, and the sender has been blocked from ProZ.com. The name used
in these messages was Teresa Lartuna , and the email address was [email protected]

November 16, 2012: Scam messages through the instant message tool

It has been brought to our attention that a person contacting translators with fraudulent purposes using the instant message feature of ProZ.com
(reached by clicking on the envelope icon on top of each ProZ.com page). The scammer has purchased ProZ.com membership and had his identity verified
using the information in the purchase.
The names used in this case were William Mascetta and Chris Eames. The associated email addresses were [email protected] and
[email protected] This is the message being sent out to contact service providers:

Need Japanese translator
Hello,
I'm looking for a professional/certified translator.
I need the translation of many documents / texts for my work, while only about 35K-50K words.
I am interested in your specificity: Management, Medical.
My rates is $0.17-0.25 per word also possible per-minute/hourly pay.
Payment can be made every Tuesday on PayPal/Moneybooker accounts or by bank wire.
Let me know if you are ready to take my project.
 Regards,
 William

Different versions of this message have been found, but only the rates offered and the languages are modified.

November 13, 2012: Scam message from Palestine, by an Angy Swan

A scam attempt was reported through the forums, being sent from email address [email protected] This was the message being sent:

dear,, 
it's me angy swan .. I'm a project manager working in translation projects. I'm interested in English-German translations.. I passed through your CV and 
account , so I  want to deal whith you in my coming projects.  this is my E-mail for contacting if you are interested in my  projects ..
[email protected] you can also send me your Cv to my Email if you want to give me the permission to make marketting for you and your Cv in
my coming projects with you .. 
hoping to hear from you soon .. 
best regards

In this case, the IP address on the message was from Palestine, and the message was consistent with others reported to be sent from that area on
http://www.proz.com/topic/230462 . Remember that messages sent through ProZ.com show the IP address of the sender, which can be used to track their
location with LookUp tools such as the one on http://www.melissadata.com/Lookups/iplocation.asp

November 8, 2012: Advanced payment scam with the name David Mark

A new instance of an advanced payment scam was reported. In this case, the name used by the scammer was David Mark, and the email address used was
[email protected] This was the message being sent out:.

Hello,
My Name is David Mark, I have a translation job for you. First of all i will like to know if you can do this.. It is on Breast Cancer! Are you a part  
time translator or full time translator. I will attach the document for you in your reply email. I want it to be ready in 2 weeks time. The abstract :-
Trends in incidence and detection of advanced breast cancer at biennial screening mammography in The United State Of America: a population  based study. 
I'm doing this to fulfill my late wife promise , who died of breast cancer.
I want you to tell me the amount is going to cost me. Text me on (256) 763-0379
French-English
David

November 6, 2012: Suspicious messages being sent WITHOUT mentioning an illness

We have received reports of messages related to scams being sent through ProZ.com, from a profile (already removed) with an IP address in Palestine.
This is the message being sent:

Hello,,
I am aproject manager in acompany and I have seen your profile and will be glad if you accept to work with each other in the nearly future .
I wait for your swift respond so I can give you more details and I hope to be positive . 
Thank you and be blessed ,,,
Regards

What is noteworthy with these messages is that they do not mention an implausible story of health problems or include any personal details. This can
be identified as a scam mainly from the lack of contact details in the message, the writing style and the IP address of the sender.

November 1, 2012: Advanced payment scam from a Nancy Grimes

An advanced payment scam was reported on the forum dedicated to scams: http://www.proz.com/topic/236020 . The name used by the scammer was Nancy Grimes, and the email address [email protected]

This is the email being sent to initiate contact:

Hello, Kindly forward your CV to [email protected] Regards, Nancy Grimes.

If a CV was sent, this was the reply:

Dear,
 How are you doing today?fine i presumed.I ought to have get back to you earlier than this time,it was due to normal circumstances.
I will want you to take a look at this project,is it what you capable of doing?.I have a lot of projects at hand,this is one of it and the way you 
handle it will determine if you would be choose later on for another project.
I will like to know you charges per word? and the total cost in Euros? How long will it take to finish the project? The deadline set for it December  
31st. What is the country of your current residence?
I will be waiting to hear from you soon,
Regards,
Nancy Grimes

October 2012

October 30, 2012: Obesity taking the place of cancer as subject of translation in advanced payment scams

We have received several reports of advanced payment scams that approach translators with translations on childhood obesity. This is done in the same way
in which scammers contacted translators with texts on cancer, as reported recently. These emails have been signed with names Hilary Snelling or Connie Valigora.

This is an example of the emails being sent:

Good morning,
 Germany to English job translation - I have a translation job for you .First of all, i will like to know if you can work on this. Article documents of 
5,664 words length on OBESITY IN CHILDREN! Are you a part time translator or full time translator. I will attach the documents for you on your request. 
I have 9 days time line for this job. The article :- Obesity is medical condition where excess body fat accumulates to an extent that it becomes harmful 
to the body. I'm doing this for Darryl, my beloved 14 yrs old son, who died of Obesity some months back. I'm hard of hearing, single warm hearted mom RN 
by profession.

I will like to know the cost for the translation and proofreading. I'm located in San Antonio, TX. Feel free to text my line for any question. 
Hilary Snelling
(210) 695-0819

October 25, 2012: Another advanced payment scammer claiming to have cancer

A new instance of an advanced payment was reported. In this case, the name used by the scammer was Hubert Hauser, and the email address used was
[email protected] This scam was initiated from a job posting on ProZ.com titled "Human and Material Management handbook*English to French*",
that has already been removed. Quotes on that job posting received this reply:

Good Morning,
 Thank you for your response. Firstly, i would like you to takeyour time and check this document, if you can translate from English into French,your 
total charges and delivery date.
I will be glad to hear from you soon.
Regards

If the interested service provider replied to this message, this message was sent:

Hello,
 Thanks for your quick response,I am glad to have you as my freelancer translator. Am having a cancer so in any case i did not reply your
email, you should know am in hospital. I agree with your quote and delivery. Am not a translator but looking for someone to translate this  handout,my 
client method of payment will be check which will be mail to your address. You need not to worry as your full payment will
be send to you. Let me know if you agree so i can send you my information for invoice.
 I hope we can come to terms.
 Regards

Remember that offers that mention health problems (especially cancer) tend to be fraudulent. This has been proved by experience. It is likely it is
used to explain erratic correspondence in the future, or to generate sympathy from translators. If you receive similar messages, please report them to
site staff by submitting a support request: http://www.proz.com/support/

October 23, 2012: Advanced payment scam from an alleged widower

A new instance of an advanced payment scam was reported. In this case, the name used by the scammer was Frank Harry, and the email address used was
[email protected] This was the message being sent out:

Hello,
 My Name is FRANK HARRY, widower of late Wife MARY HARRY. I have a translation job for you. First of all i will like to know if you can do this.. It  is 
on Breast Cancer! Are you a part time translator or full time translator. I will attach the document for you in your reply email. I want it to be  ready 
in 2 weeks time. The abstract :- Trends in incidence and detection of advanced breast cancer at biennial screening mammography in The  United State Of 
America: a population based study. I'm doing this to fulfill my late wife promise , who died of breast cancer.
 I want you to tell me the amount is going to cost me. I am located in Hillsdale Dr, Sterling, VA. Text me on (516) 362-6056
 English-italian
FRANK

October 19, 2012: A scammer impersonating ProZ.com member Marta Marullo

It has been brought to our attention that a scammer has been contacting translators impersonating ProZ.com member Marta Marullo, by sending emails with
her CV, using email address [email protected] . That email address is not legitimate, and is not used by the real Marta Marullo.

October 16, 2012: Scam email including the name of a translator as a CC

It has been brought to our attention that a scammer has been contacting translators using the email address [email protected] Note that the
name of ProZ.com member Oscar Romagnone was included as CC in the emails, with email address [email protected] . That is not a legitimate email
address used by the translator.
In the email there was no message, just an attachment that read:

Authorization and Agreement

Can you give us permission, authorization and agreement in order for us to send your CV to our clients?
If yes, we will remove your contact details to avoid direct contacts with clients. In this case, we will use a free email which will be put inside your 
CV in order to receive projects and therefore we will reply on your behalf. 
We can also email your certificates if needed to clients on your behalf.  We will give you the projects and in cases when you are not available, we will 
give the projects to other translators.

If you agree, you will be considered as a close team member and consequently you will be eligible for any developmental plan. This is part of group work 
based on mutual cooperation because the translation market is full of competition. 
Please let me know so that we start work. If you agree, sign this authorization and agreement document. 
Your name
Your signature

October 11, 2012: Advance payment scam as a job posting

A new instance of an advanced payment was reported. In this case, the names used by the scammer were Andrea Bettero and Mandon André, and the email
address used was [email protected] . I list two names because the name supplied in the job posting did not match the name used in the emails after
the service provider submitted a quote. This scam was initiated from a job posting on ProZ.com, and the quote a site user submitted received this reply:

Thank you for your response and sorry i write late,am sick with cancer. Please here is the text project.Check and reply with your rate and delivery date.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Regards

Seeing that this scam was originally posted as a job posting on ProZ.com, it is worth noting that job postings are approved if they meet the set of rules
listed on http://www.proz.com/?sp=siterules&mode=show&category=jobs_posting , and it is often not possible to determine if a few are fraudulent in
nature. That is why from ProZ.com we constantly remind service providers to make thorough risk management checks before accepting a job, and supply
resources like this risk management guide: http://wiki.proz.com/wiki/index.php/Risk_management_for_translators_and_interpreters

If you find a job posting that could be fraudulent, please report it to site staff by submitting a support request: http://www.proz.com/support/

October 9, 2012: Another message associated with the scam operation based in Palestine

A member has reported receiving this message, associated with the scam operation based in Palestine reported on http://www.proz.com/topic/230462 . This
is the message being sent out:

Authorization and Agreement
Our company would like to ask for your permission giving us the authority to send your CV and cover letter to our clients. - Our policy does not allow 
direct contact between the freelancer and our clients.
- Your contact details will be replaced by a free email where projects will be sent to.
- Our company will have full authority dealing with your CV by marketing it and receiving projects on your behalf.
- Any other information or certificates of you might be sent by email to our clients if needed.
- The projects we receive on your behalf will be directly sent to you.
- If not available, our team will send the project to another freelancer.
If you agree to these terms, we will instantly start working on your CV giving you the chance to have your projects delivered to you without making any   
effort. This agreement makes you one of our team and consequently an active one. This would also make you a priority in any development plan in the near 
future. This agreement will facilitate your work in a crowded translation market with a high level of competition.

Signing this agreement means you agree on all the above-mentioned terms.
Your name Your signature

In this case, the member received it from email address [email protected] and signed with name "Tomas Anan".

October 6, 2012: Reported impersonation of a ProZ.com member

A site member has reported on http://www.proz.com/topic/234208 that her name and CV are being used to contact agencies and offering her sevices. The
emails were found to be fraudulent after an agency checked the supplied contact information and found it to be inconsistent.

The email address used by this scammer is [email protected] , but there may be others. If you have been contacted by someone impersonating María
Fernández-Palacios, please reply to this email and supply the email address being used. With that information, it will at least be possible to block them on ProZ.com.

October 2, 2012: Scammer impersonating a translation company

It has been brought to our attention that a scammer has been contacting translators impersonating Sogedicom, http://www.proz.com/blueboard/4506, using
email address [email protected] . I copy below the email sent by the scammer:

Hi,
I have found your details in our translator database and wanted to know if you were available for an English -> German translation project? The text 
that needs translating is attached for you to review.
Would you be able to confirm how quickly you could complete the translation and what your cost per word would be?
Many thanks
Christine
SOGEDICOM
102 avenue des Champs-Elysées
75008 Paris
Tél. : 01 49 26 05 26
Fax : 01 49 26 05 28
[email protected]
http://www.sogedicom-traduction.com 
http://www.sogedicom-conferences.com
http://www.sogedicom-formation.com

Note that the contact information on the email corresponds with the official information for Sogedicom. Only the email address that sent the email differs.

This was later reported by SOGEDICOM on forum thread http://www.proz.com/topic/235139

September 2012

September 28, 2012: CATTs for sale at reasonable prices

A scam message offering “my CATTs for sale at reasonable prices” has been reported, sent using the name Basil Wolf and the email
address [email protected]

I'd like to quickly sell my unneeded CATTs at reasonable prices, since I am going into the travel business, and since I do not need 
them anymore, I'd like to sell them to a colleague who really needs them to work with, but cannot afford the high prices:
...
... I will send any software from the list to any mail address by 1st class royal mail or by DHL courier same day I see my payment
in my bank account.

PS: If you are not interested in my offer, please, just delete the message or, before deleting it, just send it to a fellow-colleague 
who might be interested in buying my CATTs. Thanks, anyway.

This scam has been associated with http://www.proz.com/blueboard/261

September 26: "Kidney transplant abroad" scam

A modified version of the “wallet lost abroad” scam has been reported, this time using the name of our colleague Deborah Marton

Hello
I am sorry to bother you with this. I am presently in Spain with my ill Cousin. She's suffering from a kidney disease and must undergo Kidney 
Transplant to save her life. I am sorry for not writing or calling you before leaving, the news of her illness arrived to me as an emergency and that 
she needs family support to keep her going, I hope you understand my plight and pardon me.

Kidney Transplant is very expensive here, so I want to transfer her back home to have the surgery implemented there, I was wondering if you can be of 
any assistance to me, I need about $2,100 to make the necessary arrangement; I traveled with little money due to the short time I had to prepare for 
this trip and never expected things to be the way it is right now. I'll surely pay you back once I get back home, I need to get her home ASAP because 
she is going through a lot of pain at the moment and the doctor have advised that she has to be operated on time to avoid anything from going wrong. I 
will really appreciate whatever amount you can come up with, if not all. get back to me asap.

Many thanks
Deborah Marton
Lingo 2 Lingo Translations, a division of Marton Enterprises, Inc.

Of course Ms. Marton is in no way involved in this scam.

September 25, 2012: Two masterpieces from Gaza

Two more messages from the scam factory operating in Gaza, Palestinian Territories:

The first one is sent by ali ali from the email address a.s.d.ff20(AT)hotmail.com

Hello,how are you ?
I have translation project and I want some one to help me for translastion French to English I choose you to deal with you because you are professional 
translator that I know it from you C.V which I read it from your profil .

The second one was sent using the name Islam and the email address engislamata(AT)gmail.com

Dear translator,
I am an independent translator looking for English to French translator to work with me and join to my team.

September 24: Overpayment offer from Mr. Mrs Franklin Jr.

The following over-payment scam job was posted in another website using the name Mr. Mrs, Franklin Jr. and the address [email protected]:

Attn Translator:
I am running an important translating project and I need experience and professional translators Translating Spanish, Arabic, French, German, Italian, 
Hindi-Urdu and Chinese documents into English, or English into Spanish, Arabic, French, German, Italian, Hindi-Urdu and Chinese. Documents are in the 
form of correspondence, technical reports, purchase orders and proposals. 
15.000 words. Trados and Wordfast a plus but not mandatory...
Only looking for freelance, no agencies please.
Translators Must Be Living Within The Untied States.
You need to send me in the following format:
1. Your language pair(s)
2. Your native language
3. Email me your CV, fields of expertise, years of experience in these fields,
4. Rates per words
5. Total Amount you charge for 15,000 words General Translation

It is vital that you check your emails everyday for update information. 
If and only if the above are present, email me at
[email protected]
Mr. Mrs Franklin Jr.
1995 N. Marty Ave. Fresno CA. 93722

A member who replied to this job received a reply that included the clause:

However there will be a screening exercise base on experience, and your charges ... An upfront advanced Check payment will be made possible to you 
before the job commence as a standby Part paid translator provided i am pleased with your arrangement.

Alert considerations

"It is vital that you check your emails everyday for update information" is the kind of improbable requirements that you expect to find in a scam
from outside the industry
"An upfront advanced Check payment will be made possible to you before the job commence as a standby" is a big warning, especially when this condition
was not requested by the translator.
The IP address locates the sender somewhere in Kansas, not in Fresno
A Google search of parts of the messages revealed a 2010 thread where a template very similar (also requesting the translation of 15,000 words) was
used by "Rick Macaulay", who later sent counterfeit checks to the reporting translators.

September 20, 2012: Start up from Palestina

A new attempt by the impersonating scammers based in Gaza, Palestina, sent from a ProZ.com profile that was deleted as soon as it was identified:

Dear translator :
We are a start up company for translation and linguistic services .
We are looking for English <> French translator to translate a medical project of 7000 words .
If you find yourself eligible please , send your CV and cover letter .
My rate is 0.03$ .
Reply soon to the following e-mail : [email protected] Regards, 
Sam

The rate is surprisingly low. Scammers are usually more generous with the rates they promise (they don't plan to pay them anyway).

September 19, 2012: Another message from the Palestinian impersonators

A new attempt by the impersonating scammers operating from Palestina to collect information from translators, and probably also steal
from them. This time they use the name Reham and the message says:

Hello
I'm a project  manager looking for {language pair} freelance translators to join my team work and become one of us.
We are doing translation for many projects about different Subjects and  fields. We are caring for our members  and trying to make 
them satisfied with their work.
If you are interested to join us please send your CV to the following e-mail and we will contact you soon.
E-mail: [email protected]
All regards
Reham

September 17, 2012: Scammers once more impersonating Transperfect

On August 10 we reported scammers impersonating the company Transperfect to steal translations. They have been reported again, this time using the name
Matthew Orr and the email address [email protected]

Hello,
Hope you're doing well !!
I have 2 new jobs EN-FR Informations
Project Code: tpt421983 / tpt421984
Language pair:Englis to French
Deadline: September 21 (Can be extend to September 23 max, if you choose to handle both files)
Rate: $0.12/word
Word Count:7300 /8515
I'm attaching the files for you to have a look and choose which one you would like to handle, or maybe both. Please if you are available reply to this 
email, you will soon receive your order form (purchase order). Thank you for your cooperation.
Regards,
Mattew Orr.
Project Coordinator
TransPerfect
Three Park Ave. 39th Floor New York, NY  10016
t   +1 213.689.5555 x1139 | f  +1 212.689.1059
www.transperfect.com
TransPerfect is ISO 9001:2008 and EN 15038:2006 certified."

In spite of all the references, the senders of this message are in no way related to Transperfect and you can expect to lose track of them once you
sent the translation.

September 13, 2012: Scammers from Palestina ask for test translations

The following message is being sent by the scammers reported at http://www.proz.com/topic/230462

Subject: Collabration for Translation - English to Spanish - Sample File
Hello dear,
I hope you are fine.
If you didn't do any tests before please do this one if you can. 
Please find attached sample files for translation (min.200-250 words to be translated per file).
Please rename the file as - "sample_your name_language.doc" when you return the same to us.
Note: It is a test file and is not chargeable.
Deliverables: Clean+ unclean + TM. (if CAT tool utilised)
Deadline: 31st August 2012 EOD
Kindly assure us that the sample is done by you.
Please confirm receipt.
Thanking you in advance for your attention in this regard.
Note: Please do not change the subject of the email

The mail arrives without any company logo, address, telephone number, web page and no contact person/department. There is a company name but it showed
no traces in Google or in the Blue Board.

These scammers operate by impersonating clients and service providers, and they use several strategies for "harvesting" information on both.

September 12, 2012: More scam messages from Palestina

Several members reported receiving the following message from scammers using a now deleted ProZ.com profile:

Email subject: Translation
Authorization and agreement: Can you give us permission, authorization and agreement in order for us to send your CV to our clients? If yes, we will 
remove your contact details to avoid direct contacts with clients. In this case, we will use a free email which will be put inside your CV in order to 
receive projects and therefore we will reply on your behalf. We can also email your certificates if needed to clients on your behalf. We will give you 
the projects and in cases when you are not available, we will give the projects to other translators. If you agree, you will be considered as a close 
team member and consequently you will be eligible for any developmental plan. This is part of group work based on mutual cooperation because the 
translation market is full of competition. Please let me know so that we start work. If you agree, sign this authorization and agreement document. 
Your name 
Your signature

IP of the messages was from Gaza and they are related to the impersonating scam operation based in Palestina reported at http://www.proz.com/topic/230462

September 7, 2012: Another in-memoriam scam

A new "in memoriam" overpayment scam was reported. This time the name used is Malcom and the email address is [email protected]:

Hello,my name is malcom,i have a job for you.i just want to know if you can do this.its on sex education Are you a part time translator or full time translator?"

After confirming the price they sent the following message:

Thanks for your quick response and the price is okay for me.This project am just starting its initiative of my my late wife Kim Cole so i want to 
fulfill her wish to safe lives of teenage.However,i want you to Translate it and send it back to be through email also i do seek fund to support this 
cause,so the payment will be through check.Awaits your response soon. 
Regards,
Malcom, Gooch Street, Birmingham, West Midlands B5 7HY, UK. "

The text to translate was the same as in the scam attempt reported on September 5.

September 6, 2012: Overpayment scam: Linda Cooper from Arlington Texas

An overpayment scam has been reported using the name "Linda Cooper" and the email address [email protected]

How are you doing today ? I got your contact information from {website}.I work with US health advisors,i have a write up to be translated from  
{language pair},the write up is for a seminar i will be going for in {country} by 10th of Sept,it will be printed out and distributed among the 
audience. My target audience are adult and teenagers. Please let me know if you will be available to do the translation work for me. I await your quick 
response to this email.
Linda Cooper, US Health Advisors, 2607 N. Cooper Street, Arlington TX 76006

The second message said:

I want you to go through it and give me a price quote,i will be making payment via check because i'm presently on a trip to United kingdom and won't be 
back before 10th of september. Please get back to me with your price quote as soon as possible so that i can instruct my financier to make out your   
payment to you when we aggree on the price. I will be waiting to hear from you soon.

The third message reported:

I just got a message from my financier now that the payment you will receiving is more than amount for the translation. He was suppose to issue out 
another payment for my travel agent for ticket for my trip back to the state and Spain,so he thought that was the payment i asked him to issue. I am 
very sorry about this and i beleive i can trust you also. As soon as you receive the check,you are to have it deposited at your bank,when you have the 
funds available,deduct your payment for the translation and help me wire the rest of the money to my travel agent via Money Gram so that he can make 
the ticket booking for me as soon as possible,you are to deduct the Money gram charges from the Money you are sending too. I am very sorry for the mix-
up and any incoviniency this may cost you. Thank you for your understanding and God bless you.

Of course the check is false and you will lose any money you send back (and you will face questioning about the bad check you deposited in the bank).

September 5, 2012: message from a deceased overpayment scammer

A member received the following message from Theresa Hartman, email [email protected]

Hi, I need you to translate an abstract :- Trends in incidence and detection of advanced breast cancer at biennial screening mammography in The United 
State Of America: a population based study. Translate from English to Danish, it has total of 2388 words. Let me know what your charges are per word. 
I'm located in Des Moines, Iowa! You can always text me on my line..  (515) 423-0813
Best Regards. Theresa

The next message included the following:

I am working with an NGO's on this project! I will attach the abstract documents to you, however,i want you to proofread it and send it back to me  
through email. I want it to be ready in A week time. This project am just starting its initiative of my late wife Theresa Hartman, who died of breast 
cancer some 2 yrs ago, so i want to fulfill her wish! I'm doing this to fulfill the promise i make to my late wife , who died of breast cancer. I just 
started an NGO which we got fund support from many individuals and companies. I want you to get back to me with your full contact details such as:- 
name, address, city, state, zip code, home&cell phone #, as i do seek fund to support this cause, payment will be through check, which will be issue 
and mail to you by the individual who is supporting this project. Richard T. Hartman (515) 423-0813

Please note that Theresa wrote the first message but she was dead for two years when Richard sent the second one.
Richard created a NGO but he did not think about providing the NGO's name in his correspondence.
A call was placed to the phone number provided, and it was picked by someone who did not know Richard T. Hartman
The IP address in the messages corresponds to Scranton, Pennsylvania, far away from Iowa
And a classic of most overpayment scams: payment will be done by a check issued by a person different from the one contacting you.

September 4, 2012: Scammers impersonating Stijloffensief to steal translations

An old scam has been recently reported as still active: scammers (apparently located in China) are impersonating the legitimate company Stijloffensief
using the false email addresses [email protected] and [email protected] in order to get translations that will not be paid to the
service providers.

A warning has been posted in the corresponding Blue Board page, and the company displays the following information in their web page:

Recently, many attempts have been made by parties unknown to our company to use Stijloffensief's company information to scam translators into working  
for them. We recommend all translators to check the authenticity of any assignment from Stijloffensief by contacting us via this website, the  
[email protected] email address and/or by telephone. We do not use free webmail services (such as gmail) for business purposes. Also take into 
account that Stijloffensief only translates from and into English, German, French and Dutch. We do not provide services for any other language pairs.

September 3, 2012: Overpayment scam by "Andrew Miller"

Scam job offers are being sent using the name "Andrew Miller" and the email address [email protected]

Subject: Hungarian Translation Needed !!!
Greetings,
I need your service to translate this attached documents to Hungarian.Let me know your rate and charges..looking forward to hear back 
from you soon.
Thanks
Andrew”

This example is for Hungarian, but it has been reported for several target languages, and apparently they are sweeping the list of
languages in alphabetical order. The file provided for translation belongs to a conference that will allegedly take place later this
year, but it actually took place in 2004.

A colleague replied and got the following message:

Am very much happy to read back from you and  okay with the charges for the pages in which am sure it will be well prepared,easy and 
well understood by the reader.Can this be done by 20th of October?

Moreover,Kindly get back to me with information below:
1: Your Full Name to be on the payment
2: Your Address and zip code
3: Your cell phone number
So i can instruct my financial secretary to issue out the full payment as soon as possible for the service.Do note that you will not    
release  the translation to me not until have the payment with you.
I will need your immediate response via email assuring me that i can trust you to handle this with care

Telltale signs are as usual the lack of any contact information on the "outsourcer" and a check payment that will be issued by a third party. Next you will receive a fake check for an amount way over what you asked, and you will be requested to wire back the difference.

August 2012

August 28,2012: 'Presentation abroad' scam by Steven Anteen

The 'presentation abroad' overpayment scam, where the scammer asks for some documents to be translated " so each of my audience can have a copy" has
been reported again, this time using the name Steven Anteen and the address [email protected]

I'm Steven Anteen from Atlanta,Georgia and i'll be leaving for europe on a business trip tomorrow morning.I'll be making a presentation to some groups 
of Spanish speaking people in Madrid,Spain on the 29th of October,2012.However,i will need you to help me translate some documents from English to  
Spanish,so each of my audience can have a copy in their local language and they can follow through.The deadline for the delivery of translations is 
October 25,2012.Please,let me have an estimate for the documents(see attached).I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Kind Regards,
Steven  678-701-9193"

August 27, 2012: Overpayment scam by 'Albert Nicolas'

Overpayment-scam job offers are being sent out by 'private investor' using the name 'Albert Nicolas' and the email address [email protected] Like in
the scam reported on August 22, the scammer claims to be ill with cancer. They wrote:

Hello,
Thanks for your response.Sorry i reply late,am sick and out of town. I have checked your quote and i am pleased to tell you that i choose you to work 
on the project for we are in between a new business.I am a Private investor who work with local and few foreign business on short time business. 50% 
Part payment will be issued by check out with balance afte completion of the text
Here is my Address for invoice
Albert Nicolas
1 imp Hirondelles
22560 PLEUMEUR BODOU
Let me have your information for payment.

Then another message announced the excess payment "made in error" by the scammers' client and asked for the excess payment to be wired back. And then
another message:

How are you doing and thank you for your understanding.I reply you late due to my traveling down for surgery,please pray for me. My client Manka, is a 
Swedish but lived most of his live in Germany, we have been working together for 3years now.I will be in this Hospital for 2weeks and hope to get 
better after the surgery,i will never pray for anyone to have anything to do with Cancer. Please, try and deposit the payment today in your account. 
Sign twice on each lines and write date. I will let you know how to send the excess. Let me know after you have deposited it,even if i cant email back 
at that moment,i will later today. Thank you and have a great day. Regards

August 22, 2012: Overpayment scam by Fred Dinse

Fraudsters are sending overpayment-scam job offers using the name Fred Dinse and the email address [email protected]

The 'client' wrote that he had cancer and he needed a translation, and offered to pay 50% of the work upfront and 50% later. Then he wrote:

How are you doing today? am feeling better today.I just got an email from my client saying the payment had been sent.I email him your   
information,telling him to send your down payment.But there was a mistake as my client purchase a check payment of euro 3000 of all the money he owe me 
on your name which include my medical and traveling agent fees to you.I don't think there is anything to worry about for the trust i have in you, you 
will keep your full payment for the translation and send the excess funds to my agent.Please watch out for the payment and let me know when you receive it.
Thanks for your understanding and i hope to hear from you soon.

Overpayment scams usually involve a 'client' asking for a translation that will be paid by a check sent by a third party, and an explanation for this
strange payment (out of country, ill at a hospital, etc.). Of course in all cases the check you get is false, and victims will lose any money sent as
"excess funds".

August 16, 2012: Scammers impersonating Knockhundred Translations Ltd

Scammers are impersonating the legitimate agency Knockhundred Translations Ltd using the legitimate name Glyn Evans but a fake email address
[email protected] to steal translations from service providers. The agency has been contacted by two freelancers so far who have
been scammed - one for a substantial amount of money. Scammers are signing signing off their correspondence with the following:

Glyn Evans
Senior Project Manager
Knockhundred Translations Ltd
Website:http://www.knockhundred.com/
Blue board:http://www.proz.com/blueboard/7728

Once again, when a corporation contacts you using a free email address you should at least confirm the contact independently through the company's web age.

By the way, the Blue Board page provided corresponds to a previous impersonation of a different company, done probably by the same scammers, and since March
15 it has a scam-warning message. Now a similar message has been added to Knockhundred Translations Ltd's Blue Board page.

You can learn more about these scam operations reading this article and this announcement.

August 15, 2012: Cheap software offered by 'Translation Mania'

A colleague received the following offer to buy heavily discounted software from 'Translation Mania':

Dear Linguist,
Hope you are doing well and getting lot of projects.
We have bought some licence for our linguist on discounted rates, and now we have two of them left. Below is the detail about the product:
Trados Version - SDL Trados Studio 2011 Freelance Plus SP2 (Can be used on 2 PCs simultaneously) 
Price - We are giving it for $475 and the Market price is $1030 even on Proz you will not get it below $550.
If you are interested to buy one, then, please contact us.
Best Regards,
Jatorpha
Manager - Operations
Translation Mania
Elite House, Comunity Centre, Kailash Colony Extn.
New Delhi - 110048, India
W: www.translationmania.com
E: [email protected]"

This is almost certainly a scam where any money sent will be lost. Some alert flags:

The translator is addressed as "dear linguist" and she does not know the agency, and yet the offer is addressed "for our linguist"
Very improbable offer, unprofessionally written
Web page http://www.translationmania.com/ does not have any contact information
The 'about us' section of http://www.translationmania.com/ states "TRANSLATIN MANIA is one of the professional full-service communication consulting and management companies." The morphing of 'Translation Mania' into 'Translatin Mania' is not precisely a confidence-builder.

August 14, 2012: David, just another overpayment scammer

David wrote from the email address [email protected] the following offer:

Hello,
My name is David and I got your email from the website about you being a translator.
I want you to assist translate an article from (English--Polish).I need it for a presentation and would love a professional work which I believe you can offer.
I would like to know your terms and how much it would cost for the article?
Hope to hear from you as soon as possible. Regards.
David.
801-874-1648

The second email stated:

Thank you for the timely response.It is ok for you to send me a purchase order so we can have an agreement but I would like to propose me sending you a 
check.Presently,I am at a seminar and I will have my Assistant send you a check for payment purpose. I hope you will understand and I believe you can 
do a good job.Once we have an agreement I would need an address to have the check sent to.
I hope to hear from you soon."

Again we find the classic elements of an overpayment scam: payment by check that will be sent by a different person, while an unusual reason is
given for this (presently at a seminar).

August 13, 2012: Scammer impersonating Sylvie Baillot from fake address [email protected]

A scammer is impersonating our colleague Sylvie Baillot using a fake email address [email protected]

The scam was reported by a victim who found out about this impersonation after delivering the requested translation. Before accepting the job, the
victim took the precautions to check that the Sylvie actually existed in the member list of the Syndicat Français des Traducteurs professionnels, and
even got a PO signed by the 'client'.

Unfortunately the victim failed to notice that the email address used to contact her was different from the two addresses available in the member list
indicated above. She could also have called to the phone number indicated in the list.

Remember that the first rule of risk management when contacted by an unknown agent is to get verifiable contact information AND to verify this information
until being confident that the persons contacting you are who they say they are, and that they represent the organizations they say they represent.

A signed PO is useful in case you get into a conflict with a legitimate outsourcer, but it provides only an illusion of safety when you deal with a
scammer (who will have no problems making-up a signature that you have no way of validating).

August 10, 2012: Scammers impersonating TransPerfect

A scammer is impersonating the agency Transperfect from the email address [email protected] The scammer signs as 'Pearl Leo, Executive Project
Manager, Legal Red - Weekend Shift' and the message reads:

Hello,
I really hope you can help me with this one. 
I need a translator who work with SDL TRADOS.
Translation EN>FR(fr)
Word count -> 13000
Rate -> 0.13$/word (all new words)
Deadline -> Friday 11 at 8pm (London Time)
File can be split if necessary.
I need your answer ASAP!!
Please contact me to [email protected] and claim your PO.
Regards

As usual, be specially careful when a corporation reaches you using an email address with a dominion different from the one in the "contact us" section
of their web page (in this case @transperfect.com).

August 9, 2012: Overpayment scam by Margaret Jordan

An overpayment scam has been reported using the name Margaret Jordan and the email address [email protected] The first message has the
style of an overpayment scam but nothing very conclusive:

Hello,
My name is Margaret Jordan,i work with an NGO supported by world health organization to enlighten people about STDS,HIV and AIDS. I will be giving a 
public lecture in Russia by 28th of this month and i have a health write up to be translated from English to Russian,my target audience are university 
students. I got your contact email from Translators cafe and i will like to know if you will be avaible to do the translation job for me. Let me know 
if you are available so that i can forward the document to you for a price quote. 
Waiting to hear from you soon.
God bless you !

The second message clear all doubts:

Thanks for getting back to me. The attached documents is for the public lecture i will be going for in Russia by 28th of this month. The documents will  
be printed and distributed to participants at the lecture after being translated. So, take a look at document and get back to me with a price quote and 
also need to know the time you will be able to finish it. I will be making payment through a cashiers check because i'm presently out of state and 
won't be back before that time. My Husband will make out the payment to you as soon as we agree on the price.I will be waiting for your price quote as 
soon as possible.
Margaret Jordan.

So we have three classic elements of an overpayment scam:
a) payment will be by check
b) check will be sent by a different person
c) an unusual reason is given for the above (out of country, sick in hospital, etc.)

August 8, 2012: Large scam operation based in Gaza

A large scale scam operation based in Gaza, Palestina, has been uncovered and all related profiles have been deleted from ProZ.com. The scammers operate
as described in this article: they steal CVs from real translators and edit them with a different email address, usually in the form of
{translator's_name}(at){free_email_service_provider}, and use them to quote on jobs posted at translation portals and freelancing websites.

Outsourcers receive messages such as:

Hello,
I am a highly qualified freelance translator who is committed to the highest standards in the profession. I provide a friendly, reliable and  
trustworthy translation and proofreading services. 
{here they would copy real translators' CV information}
I will be pleased to assist you on your current assignment.
Hoping to hear from you soon.
Best regards,
{real translator's name}
{real translator's credentials}"

In some cases a machine translation is provided and the oursourcer is threatened with discredit if they do not pay. In other cases the job is outsourced
in the name of the real outsourcers to real translators who are not paid (and who will blame the real outsourcer for this).

Freelancers should confirm assignments received from companies through emails with a dominion different from the one in the 'contact us' section of
the company's webpage, and should always use pdf format for their CVs (so they are not editable).

Outsourcers should confirm the identity of translators who offer their services, for instance by sending an email through their ProZ.com profiles, and
check their identity verification profile status.

A special report has been posted in a dedicated thread at ProZ.com scams forum

August 7: Two sick scammers posting fake jobs at ProZ.com

Overpayment scams were posted as two ProZ.com jobs by non-logged-in visitors:

"Needs a Goog Translator" was posted using the name Marco Zatta and the email address [email protected] A colleague replied and got the following message:

My name is Marco,how are you doing and thank you for your interest.Sorry i reply late,i am sick.I have 8,900words from French into German.I have  
attached the text document.Let me know your total charges and confirm if you can deliver in 2weeks and your quote.
I hope to hear from you soon for more information.
Regards

Later, she was informed that 'an associate to the client' had sent her six checks for a total of 3000 €, asking her to wire back the excess payment
(2000 €). Our colleague did not wire any money back but she lost a week of work.

A "French to Italian translation text", 8900 French to Italian translation request was posted using the name Louis Marie-Thérèse and the email address
[email protected] A member who contacted the scammers got the classic "private investor" response:

Thanks for your response.Sorry i reply late,am sick and out of town. I have checked your quote and i am pleased to tell you that i choose you to work
on the project for we are in between a new business.I am a Private investor who work with local and few foreign business on short time business. 50% 
Part payment will be issued by check out with balance afte completion of the text

ProZ.com verifies the information in posted jobs but this is not enough to ensure a scam-free operation and a small amount of scams can go through the net.
Translators should always do their risk management, see this FAQ. Jobs posted by not-logged-in visitors or very new profiles, and asking for a reply via email
are more risky than jobs posted by "old" profiles and to be replied by means of the jobs interface.

August 3, 2012: "Stranded at the airport" scam

In a new variant of the “Wallet lost abroad” scam, the scammer is now stranded in an airport.

A Saudi client hired an interpreter for a business visit to Frankfurt and on the day of his planned arrival he called the interpreter
to report that he was still at the USA airport, where he and his wife were prevented from boarding their plane because of the strict
searches at the airport.

The 'client' needed now to buy new tickets but the credit cards were in a bag that was dispatched to the destination, and the
interpreter was asked to wire this money, allegedly to be reimbursed upon arrival of the client.

Fortunately our colleague realized that luggage is never allowed to leave the airport without the passenger. A few calls confirmed
that this was a scam that apparently is targeting Islamic communities, associations and mosques.

August 1, 2012: Same scam offer used for over 5 years

A member receive the following offer from Caldwell Taylor, email [email protected]:

With reference to your registration on aiic.net. Your service is hereby needed as an interpreter in your country (France). Our students with two of our 
management staff are coming to your country for a research work on Media development, they speak much of Spannish than English, due to difficulty in 
language barrier, your service will be needed for a period of 4 hours for 12 working days. The research will run between 28th September to 9th October,
2012, so we shall be glad to have your availability and your service charge as well.
Please your prompt response will be highly appreciated.

A quick search on the Web reveals the following offer sent by a Larry (last name unknown) on May 2007:

With reference to your registration on translationzone.com. Your service is hereby needed as a translator/interpreter in the France. Our students with two of our 
management staff are coming to Trilport, France, for a research work on Media development, they speak much of Spannish than English, due to difficulty in
language barrier, your service will be needed for a period of 4 hours for 12 working days. We shall be glad to have your service charge as well as your availability.
Please your prompt response will be highly appreciated.

Over 5 years later the same text is still around... These people really believe in recycling!

July 2012

July 31: Scammers impersonating Michaela Sommer to steal translations

Scammers are impersonating ProZ.com member Michaela Sommer to steal translations. They send job offers signing as Michaela but using the email address
michaela.sommer63(at)yahoo.com (of course this is not Michaela's real email address). The message sent is:

Hello {name of the victim},
I hope you are well.
I am a freelance translator working from English to German.
Your translation background, which I found on the web, is interesting.
I have a set of documents (around 2,000 words, general terminology, no special knowledge is required) which need to be translated from English to 
Italian  by July 16th, end of the day.
My payment terms are 30 days from invoice date.
Would you be interested in this project?
Kind regards,

Scams by impersonation are described at http://www.proz.com/translation-articles/articles/3613/

The scam was discovered when two of the victims contacted Michaela through ProZ.com, one to ask for a WWA entry, the other asking for invoicing
information. When you are contacted via email by a ProZ.com user, it is a good idea to visit the profile and ask for confirmation of the request
using the "send email" feature.

July 27, 2012: Clarence Hanselman asks for your language pair

Fascinating overpayment scam attempt where the scammer opens the message by naively asking "What language do you translate to?". Name used is Clarence
Hanselman with email address [email protected]

Hello,
What language do you translate to? Your service is urgently needed for a translation of an article (Conflict Management) written in English. The 
document has about 11,782 words and the translated document will be needed on or before 28th of August, 2012. Moreso, i will like you to get back to me 
with your full price quote for the whole document after you might have gone through the attached document.
My Suitable Method of payment: Payment will be made twice for the security of both parties, you will have the 60% advance payment Via a Bank Check 
issued by a French Bank as a down payment the moment you confirm the assignment accepted by you and have the remaining 40% on delivery of the   
translation. I will like to confirm your availability for this project and if the price suites, we can talk about the term and conditions that
surrounds your service.
Attached within email is the document that would be translated.
I await your mail as soon as possible for the commencement of the project.
Best Regard.

July 26: Overpayment scams from 'sharonzub', 'Rebecca Zak' and 'Austin Ward'

The old "project book of mine" scam is still around. Recent sender information includes Sharon {[email protected]} and Rebecca Zak
{[email protected]}. The contact message is:

Hello,
I want you to help me translate a project book of mine please contact me via this my personal email [email protected] for more
information and the document.Hope to hear from you soon. Apply with your cv
Thanks,"

Another overpayment scam is being widely published by 'Austin Ward ,A Hiring manager (HM) With Realty Executives' with the message:

Subject:       English Translator Needed
I am Austin Ward A Hiring manager (HM) With Realty Executives. I looking for translators who can translate from English to other
languages {Reply Back with what you're Good at} to work with on a project, approximately 15,000 words {fields of expertise...
Technical, legal, commercial, medical. Poetry & Literature}. Trados or Wordfast should be fine... If interested, please include
in your reply your {PRICE per source word in $$} Also ready for a long time partnership And be available to read your email at least
twice a day for urgent updates about the Project... This offer is open to translators based in the United States Only. Write me at
hiringmanager AT realtyagent DOT com if interested.”

Please note how 'Realty Executives' migrates into 'realtyagent'. Even tough they added some translation lingo, this is a 'client'
who does not know (or care) about the language pair(s) you work in. Also, the request to be "available to read your email at least
twice a day” is a classic among scammers. In a follow-up email they will offer you an advance payment.

In an overpayment scam you will receive a fake check for an amount much higher than agreed, and then you will be asked to wire back
(and lose) the difference.

July 24, 2012: Scammer 'David Lang' impersonating Rosetta Translation

A colleague received the following job offer from 'David Lang', email address [email protected] and allegedly from Rosetta Translation:

I got a new job available that i hope you can help with, please take a look below
EN-FRFR - Word Count: 1831 - Rate:0.08€
Job instructions:
Please work into the Word File
Please keep same format, do not change anything regarding text colors, size...
TRANS DEADLINE: SUN 24/7 8pm GMT+1 (Paris Time Zone)
I need you answer ASAP!!
As soon that you confirm that you can handle it, I'll send you the PO.
Thank you for your understanding,
David Lang.
Project Manager
MKTG/SEO/SEM/Translation Services
Web: http://www.rosettatranslation.com
Tel:     +44 207 353 8902"

In this case our colleague did the right thing: he visited the Rosetta Translation web page, and wrote to the contact address found there:

Dear Rosetta Translation,
I just received this project offer from one of your representatives David Lang.  Can you please confirm that he actually works for your company?

The answer was:

Many thanks for your email. Please note that David Lang is not a representative of Rosetta Translation and his email requested should be ignored as spam.

This is a good example of how the first rule of risk management for freelance translators (get verifiable contact information and verify it) can
protect you from a scammer.

July 23,2012: Scam job offers sent by 'Henry Beauperin'

Many job offers were sent from a ProZ.com profile on the name of 'Henry Beauperin', email [email protected], with the following text:

Good Afternoon,
I require the services of an interpreter/Translator for a job i will be coordinating in {country} from July till the end of this year. The job would be 
once a week. We would reach an agreement on choosing the day of the week that suits both parties. 
Please send me an email if you may be interested in this job and i will send you more information.
The job is Valuation related."

The country was matched in each case to the country of residence for the recipients (in all cases in small letter). Reported countries included France,
Germany, Switzerland, Cyprus, Croatia, Georgia and Iceland).

A later report confirmed that this was a Western Union scam attempt.

We have a valuation project which involves me communicating with someone who understands English in Europe. 
We are to evaluate the services of the Western Union

The corresponding profile has been blocked and labeled as scam to warn translators who may have received the offer and who could miss this alert.

July 19, 2012: "Pay to get work" schemes

Translators: take care when responding to offers for work which require pre-payment or which sound "too good to be true"

As you may already know, you should excersise extreme caution when considering responding to offers of "translation jobs" which require you to pay
in order see the jobs, or offers of translation jobs which sound too good to be true. One entity in particular is currently "advertising" this kind of
offer heavily, via email, social networks, and other means, and this has been brought to the site team's attention. In many cases, there may not be
any real translation jobs behind the offers, though you are required to pay for access to this information beforehand.

Some possible warning signs that can be seen in the email versions of these offers:

The sender's address may be a freemail address (gmail, hotmail, etc.), and the sender may not match the person signing the email. (e.g. the email
sender is "John" but the person signing the email is "Mary").
Language of the type: "If you speak English and any other language, you can start making money right away!", "No previous experience is needed",
translate for cash", etc.
Any URLs included in the email may be "masked"; that is, they may be covering up the real site you will be taken to. Sometimes this is done for
tracking purposes, or to hide who is making the offer. Ideally, these links should match the domain of the email sending them, or match the entity
purporting to be sending the offer. Be wary of links which do not "match up".
Web pages with no verifiable contact information.

July 18, 2012: new instances of the 'private investor' scammers

The 'private investor' scammers are very active again. Their opening message is:

Hello, As am browsing through the profiles on {translators site, several reported} I came across your profile,I kindly want you to translate one of my 
book that I need to translate ,am a private investor. If you are interested in translating for me kindly let me know the language you can handle from 
English, kindly contact me back immediately you received my message for more information about the project.

As usual, the contact information varies. Names and email addresses recently used are Rocco Buttiglione {[email protected] and contact address
'Via San Giovanni Bosco, 38, I-74014 Laterza TA, Italy}, Keneth Cole {[email protected]}, Kenth Zebra {[email protected]}, Sandra Wilson
{[email protected]}, Tommaso Giovanni {[email protected]}, Roberto Sacco {[email protected]} and Ana Mesa {[email protected]}. Cole
is a last name widely used by these scammers, see this report.

July 17, 2012: Scammers impersonating Migal Translations to steal translations

A representative from Migal Translations www.migaltranslations.com has reported that scammers using the name Jessica Storm and the email address
[email protected] are impersonating this company to post fraudulent translation jobs. False purchase orders with Migal Translations'
logo and company name were sent to the translators, and the scam was discovered when the service providers contacted the legitimate outsourcer asking for
the payments of jobs that Migal Translations had not requested.

Alarms should be activated each time somebody claims to represent an outsourcing company from an email address that does not belong to the company.
For more information on scammers who steal translations by impersonating real players, see the ProZ.com article on Scammers who steal translations

July 12, 2012: Scammer impersonating Crystal Samples

A scam has been reported by a colleague that delivered USD 1550 worth of unpaid translations to a scammer who impersonated member
Crystal Samples by using the (false) email address crystalsamplese(at)gmail.com. The reporter received a call from the scammer's
number 35699465492 (from Malta). A warning has been posted in the corresponding Blue Board page.

Impersonating scams are frequently reported and they are harder to detect because these are scammers who know about the language
industry and who can effectively impersonate legitimate translators and outsourcers. Learn more about this scourge and related
risk management practices at the article 'Scammers who steal translations' published at http://www.proz.com/doc/3613

July 10, 2012: Overpayment scammer ‘Lori S Deb. Kelly’

An overpayment scam job was reported as published in Translators Cafe using the name ‘Lori S Deb. Kelly’ and the email address [email protected]

When asked to provide complete address and phone number, the scammer replied:

Hello and thanks for the reply, i do hope that we can work this out together, a little explanation about myself, My full name is 
Deborah Serena , living in the United Kingdom and travels alots, married and have 2 kids. I do get contract business from people that 
need to translate documents so i am like a middle men in this business and i have been successful with it. I have attached the file as 
document. Do let me know your total cost for this assignment. My mode of payment is by a Check, is that okay and acceptable by you? I 
hope so. And the payment would be made from my customer that need this assignment, my payment would be made together with yours for 
easy and conviniency for my customer. You do not need to start this work yet, you will wait until you have the check and cashed, then 
you can resume work and send to me as i want trust and a mutual and good understanding between us. But i would need your help and 
assistance, as you already know that both payments would be received by you, after you have the cash at hand, you will need to send me 
the excess amount on it as my part of fees for this business. I hope you will be able to do this and i hope this is okay by you. Ok I 
will provide my details for you to send me an invoice so i can make an arrangement for the payment by Check. “

Please note that this long replay contains personal information aimed to creating empathy “travels alots, married and have 2 kids”
but no real contact information. Also the offer of full advance payment will create a sense of false safety in trusting freelancers
who do not fear that a check can be forged. The quality and style of the text is also what you would expect from your average
overpayment scammer.

What is original in this case is for the scammer to state up-front that you will be overpaid and asked to send back the difference.
Normally they report an accidental overpayment. They may be learning new tricks.

July 9, 2012: Scam impersonating Charles Azzopardi

A scam was reported by a colleague who delivered a translation to a scammer impersonating ProZ.com member Charles Azzopardi using
the email address [email protected] and, after delivery, lost all contact with the 'client'. The issue was discovered when the
translator tried to post a Blue Board warning on Charles Azzopardi and he reported back that he has never contacted the translator at all.

Impersonating scams are frequently reported and they are harder to detect because these are scammers who know about the language
industry and who can effectively impersonate legitimate translators and outsourcers. Learn more about this scourge and related risk
management practices at the article 'Scammers who steal translations' published at http://www.proz.com/doc/3613

July 6, 2012: Article on 'Scammers who steal translations'

The first article of a planned ProZ.com series on Risk Management has been published on the subject of 'Scammers who steal translations'.
This article presents some typical scam mechanisms aimed to stealing translations plus some related risk management advise.
These scammers are the most difficult to identify because they know the industry and they can effectively impersonate legitimate
outsourcers and translators.

There are many reports of this kind of scam. Please read this note and, if possible, let other colleagues know about it. Raising
awareness on these issues is our first line of defense as a community.

July 3, 2012: Overpayment scam from "Mario Bortolo"

An overpayment scam has been reported using the name "Mario Bortolo" and the email address [email protected] IP address locates the scammer
in Palermo, Italy.

Job was a French to English translation and "Mario Bortolo" agreed to a quote of USD800. After that, he offered an unrequested 50% advance payment.
Translator requested payment through Paypal or Moneybookers but "Mario" said he could pay only by check.

Then Mario informed that his client sent the translator a check for $3000 and that she should keep the full amount for the translation (not just 50%)
and he would instruct her on how to return the rest.

Fortunately the translator refused and "only" lost some time. The translator did well in avoid the scam but asking for verifiable contact information
at the start of the relationship (and verifying them) is a much stronger policy than good instincts.

July 2, 2012: Scam job offer from 'Adam Johnson from Adams Farms'

An overpayment scam has been reported by two colleagues who received job offers sent by 'Adam Johnson from Adams Farms', email address [email protected]

Adam Farms is presented as an organic cocoa bean farming and growing company, and it is very likely that they are a legitimate business whose name
and contact data are being used by the scammers to create confidence in their victims.

The first contact is a message that does not even include the name of the recipient:

Subject:       Web Designer Needed"
Morning,
How are you doing and am Adam Johnson.I need a competent and and reliable web designer so get back to me if you are available to take job now,awaits  
your mail soonest.
Regards.
Adam Johnson.

When the translators asked for payment via Paypal the answer they got was:

Here is the content below and i would have make the payment through Paypal but i gave this job to a woman who requested that i should make the payment 
through Paypal but after my client make the payment she disappear for good and i never hear from her till today so now the payment will be through 
cheque so send me your name and address with phone number where the payment will be mail to also i will like you to surprise with a good job then i can
introduce you to my other friends and client also how many days will it tntenetake you to finish with the website.

One of the colleagues received a check for an excessive amount and was asked to return the excess. The other abandoned the deal before that point.

Again the impersonal message, the very unprofessional language and the insistence of paying with checks should serve as early scam warnings.

June 2012

June 27,2012: Overpayment scam by 'Prof. Antonio Miccoli'

An overpayment scam in the form of a job offer was posted at ProZ.com from a (now deleted) profile as "12,450 Medical Translation (English to German)".
The scam was posted using the name 'Prof. Antonio Miccoli' and the email address '[email protected]'. Please note that this name may correspond
to a normal person fully unaware of the scam.

A translator who answer to this request received the following message:

My name is Miccoli,how are you doing and thak you for your interest.I have 12450words from English into German.I have attached the text document.Let me 
know your total charges and confirm if you can deliver in 3weeks. I hope to hear from you soon for more information.

The translator send a quote and asked for contact information and received:

Thanks for your quick response,I am glad to have you as my freelancer translator.The second text will be ready by weekend. I have agree with your total 
amount of 1245 Euro.I can only offer 50 percent down payment with balance upon  completion of this project.
I'm looking forward hearing from you.

Thank you for your email..Please note that i will be paying with a Check. 
Please provide your Information to issue out payment which include your Name and Address.

The translator had not requested an advance payment. An investigation of IP addresses revealed that these messages, typical of overpayment scammers,
were not sent from Italy (as claimed).

June 25, 2012: The "student scammer" is now grand harley

Another instance of the student scam has been reported, this time using the name grand harley and the email address grandharley(at)yahoo.com.
The texts are the same already reported on June 4:

Am in need of your translation service; English to Ukrainian.Get back to me as soon as possible"

And then:

Thanks for getting back to me. My name is Grand Harley ; a University student, I want you to translate this documents for me. The source language is
English and the target language is Ukrainian. The documents are attached for you to review and perhaps get back to me with an estimation [price]. The 
deadline is 3 weeks, is that possible? Payment will be made through Certified Cashier Check. Let me know how it goes and please reply to this email for
any other question."

June 21, 2012: 'Our hiring process' fake job offer

This classic scam keeps being reported, with a text basically unchanged:

I would like to take this time to welcome you to our hiring process and give you a brief synopsis of the position’s benefits and requirements.

If you are taking a career break, are on a maternity leave, recently retired or simply looking for some part-time job, this position is for you.

Occupation: Flexible schedule 1 to 3 hours per day. We can guarantee a minimum 20 hrs/week occupation
Salary: Starting salary is 3000 EUR per month plus commission.
Region: {variable}

Please note that there are no startup fees or deposits to start working for us.

To request an application form, schedule your interview and receive more information about this position please reply to {email address},with your 
personal identification number for this position IDNO: {4 digits number}

Email addresses have the structure {name}(at)dominion, where {name} can be any first name and the reported dominions include 'europacareer.com',
'europa-career.com', 'eureseuropa.com', 'europnewcareer.com', 'jobdayseu.com', 'mc-jobs.com', 'newusawork.com', 'jobsearchusaorg.com', 'newengwork.com',
'employmenteu.com' and 'newengwork.com'.

No serious company will ever send out random emails offering large salaries and commission if they don’t even know who you are. If you answer them
you are likely to get your information stolen, and to get a "job" where you will be receive a fraudulent payment and they you will be asked to deduct
your 'salary and commission' and to forward the balance to them, or to buy good for them. When your payment proves to be forged you will end up with
a significant loss and probable legal problems.

June 20, 2012: "Wallet lost abroad" scam using the name of Mr. Pham Huu Phuoc

ProZ.com certified PRO member Pham Huu Phuoc reports that his name is being used in a “wallet lost abroad” scam with the following text:

How are you doing? This has had to come in a hurry and it has left me in a devastating state. My family and I had a visit to
(Philippines) unannounced some days back for a short vacation, unfortunately we were mugged at the park of the hotel where we  
stayed,all cash, cell phones and credit cards were stolen off us but luckily for us we still have our passports with us.

We've been to the Embassy and the Police here but they're not helping issues at all and our flight leaves tomorrow but we're having 
problems settling the hotel bills and the hotel manager won't let us leave until we settle the bills. Please I really need your 
financial assistance..am going to need some sort of loan from you and promise to pay you back once i get back home Please, Let me know
if you can help us out?

I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

Regards.

Of course our colleague is completely unrelated to this scam. It is worth noticing that the criminals slightly altered Mr. Phuoc Pham's
Yahoo email address counting on possible victims not noticing the difference between the real one and the one created by the spammers.

June 19, 2012: Scams offered by Denz Harald, Barry Christine and Ronny Krause

This expands the scam alert issued on June 7, 2012. Several scam jobs of the 'overpayment' type have been reported as originated from Denz Harald
[email protected], Barry Christine [email protected] and Ronny Krause [email protected] All were related to ProZ.com profiles that
have been blocked and linked to BlueBoard entry http://www.proz.com/blueboard/36175. Examples of the scam jobs offered:

French into English interpreter required 
If you are an French into English Interpreter who lives in Canada,please send your CV to [email protected]
The assignment will last approximately four hours and will take place in Canada.
If you would be available to attend, please get in touch as soon as possible.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,

Business file 16150 words
I am looking for freelance translators who can provide French into English translation services.
Since i am not able to attach the sample document with this posting, please email ([email protected]) if you are interested and i will then email you 
the sample document.
CAT tools requirement: Across, FrameMaker 9, InDesign CS3 PowerPoint, Word.

Business Documents
We are looking for a translator to work on five set of documents of 15,500words. CAT tools requirement: Across, FrameMaker 9, InDesign CS3 (soon to be
5), PowerPoint, Word.
If you are available, please send us your CV and rates to [email protected] and we will email sample text to you.

Interested Translators
Hello, i am looking for freelance translator who can provide English into German (Germany) translation services.
Source format. Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Word 
If you are interested in this role and have relevant translation experience, please contact me at barryctine(at)gmail.com

June 18, 2012: Translation stolen by 'Greg Lordan'

A colleague reported being scammed by 'Greg Lordan', email address [email protected], who requested and got a translation from English
into Slovak and did not pay for it. The address provided by the scammers was 55 Warwick road, Walthamstow, E17 5NP, London, UK, Telephone : 44 024024641.

These name and email address were included in a special list published in this ProZ.com's Blue Board page that is in fact a very useful resource to check for
possible scammers.

June 15, 2012: Stiven, the private investor

The "private investor" scammers strike back, this time using the name 'stiven wilson' and the email address [email protected] Even the name
was misspelled this time!

Hello,
As am browsing through the profiles translators on www.chicata.org  I came across your profile,I kindly want you to translate one of my book that I 
need to translate kindly get back to me on the language you handle,am a private investor. 
If you are interested in translating for me kindly contact me back immediately you received my message for more information about the project.
Thanks,
Regards"

Once you have read a bunch of scam messages you learn not only to recognize the style but also to identify the "templates" they use for their attempts.

June 14, 2012: Wallet lost in Spain and reported from USA

A new "wallet lost abroad" scam has been reported, this time impersonating Mr. Nabil Baradey from the LinguistHouse Translation company, who has
been already alerted about this situation. The message goes:

From: LinguistHouse Translation 
Reply-To: [email protected]
Subject: Urgent Help...........Nabil Baradey

How are you doing? This has had to come in a hurry and it has left me in a devastating state. My family and I had a visit to (Spain) unannounced some
days back for a short vacation, unfortunately we were mugged at the park of the hotel where we stayed,all cash, cell phones and credit cards were 
stolen off us but luckily for us we still have our passports with us.

We've been to the Embassy and the Police here but they're not helping issues at all and our flight leaves tomorrow but we're having problems settling 
the hotel bills and the hotel manager won't let us leave until we settle the bills. Please I really need your financial assistance..Please, Let me know 
if you can help us out?

I'm looking forward to hearing from you."

Even if you are not aware of this kind of scam, described here, a careful eye will detect that the email address [email protected] published
in the company's website has been changed into "[email protected]". Also, IP address 98.139.44.158 locates the source of this message in
Sunnyvale, CA, USA, not in Spain.

June 12, 2012: Overpayment scams from 'James Neel' and 'Shana Putnam'

Received from 'James Neel', email address [email protected]

Hello,
I am James and i got your email from the website that you are a translator.
I want you to help me translate an article from (English-French).
I would like to know your terms and how much it would cost for the article?
Hope to hear from you as soon as possible

Received from 'Shana Putnam', email address [email protected]

Am in need of your translation service; English to Dutch.Get back to me as soon as possible

June 8, 2012: scam impersonating TRAVOD International

A scam impersonating the legitimate agency TRAVOD International has been reported using the fake email address [email protected]
The message sent was:

Hi,
We have a new project for you.
It is translation.
Language: German>Italian
Volume:2795 words
Rate: 0.04 EUR/words
Deadline: tomorrow, June 5th, by 4:00 pm GMT+1.
Please let us know if you are interested and available.
Thank you,
Ennery

Besides the unprofessional language, a visit to the "contact" tab in the agency's web page http://travod.com/ will show that all their emails belong
to the dominion @travod.com and therefore the Gmail address is obviously fake. This is a nice example of how 5 minutes of risk management can
protect you from heavy losses.

June 7, 2012: Overpayment scam by "Denz Harald"

An overpayment scam has been reported using the name Denz Harald and the address [email protected] Scammers created a ProZ.com profile and posted
a job on May 25, 2012 "Business File-EN>FRENCH". As soon as a scam was detected, the profile was blocked and tagged as such, associated to the BB
record http://www.proz.com/blueboard/37177

The scammer wrote: "Here is my address for invoice:

Denz Harald
Vattumannens gata 140 
City:Brandbergen
136 62 Sweden

Translators report receiving check payment sent by Denz Harald's client directly to them in excess of what was agreed. One of the translators submitted
the translation but fortunately refused to deposit the fake check.

Some paragraphs for our collection of scammers literature:

Thank you for your reply.Am out to Sweden at the moment but not a problem working together.I agree with your quoted rate, i will be paying in US Bank  
Cheque.30% down payment will be issued out with balance after deliverly

Thank you for your email. I really need your understanding a this point. It was a mistake from my client and issuing all my money on your name. Please, 
cash the payment as it has been sent out already to you. I hope to hear from you soon.

How are you doing.Thank you for your kindness and good work.I got an email from my client that the payment has been sent by my client,but there was a 
mistake as my client issue an excess amount on your name which include my traveling agent fees to you.After cashing, you will take your down payment.I 
don't think there is anything to worry about for the trust i have in you.You will send the excess funds to my agent for my trip.Please watch out for 
the payment and let me know when you receive it.Thanks for your understanding."

June 6, 2012: Security report on LinkedIn

The BBC reports that LinkedIn is investigating claims that over six million of its users' passwords have been leaked onto the internet.

The BBC writes, quoting a security expert:

Our advice is to change your LinkedIn password. And if you use the same password on other accounts, change it there too.

There have been also reports of not-requested LinkedIn password-change messages that could be a phishing scheme. Do not click on the links included
in suspect pages. Remember that by hovering the mouse over a link you can see where it really links to without the need of actually clicking on it.

This is not a normal scam alert report, but it was considered of relevance because many colleagues use LinkedIn as part of their marketing strategy.

June 4, 2012: Student scam from Sarah Mcbridge

The "student scam" has been reported again, this time using the name Sarah Mcbridge and the email address [email protected]

First Message:

Am in need of your translation service; English to Arabic. 
Get back to me as soon as possible.

Second Message:

Thanks for getting back to me. My name is Sarah Mcbridge; a University student, I want you to translate this documents for me. The source language is
English and the target language is Arabic. The documents are attached for you to review and perhaps get back to me with an estimation [price]. The 
deadline is 3 weeks, is that possible? Payment will be made through Check. Let me know how it goes and please reply to this email for any other question. 
Thanks in advance.

The translator sent a quote and asked for contact information and a 50% advance payment, and got the following reply:

Well i think am ok with the Quote and i will be sending you a Check which will get to you in 3 to 4 working days.If this is acceptable by you; do get  
back to me with your full name and address so i can make the payment as soon as possible. I will make a full payment instead.
Looking forward to read back from you asap."

Later, the scammer added:

I had to travel to attend to my dad; his on a Sick bed. In regards to our agreement you will receive the check this week, i sent it out already but its 
in excess due to the fact that I just came in possession of some more documents which I will like you to work on for me. I can not send them right now 
until I get back home and I must say they are in the same volume as the one you are working on now. So, when you receive the check deduct the payment
for this translation and hold on to the rest for the subsequent translations. I hope you are okay with this?

When the translator insisted on the need of contact information, she got:

Sorry i will have provide you a cell phone number but am phone is not working here as i told you am out of state to take care of my Dad. Just let me 
know when you receive the payment ok.

At this point the communications were broken. The next step would have been for the scammer to report that to attend his father's health she needed
the extra money included in the check to pay for future translations, and ask the translator to wire that money to her. And afterwards the check
would bounce, of course.

Once again, pay attention to the style used for sending these messages and the key elements such as poor English, lack of information on the sender,
some urgency to send check(s) to you and a disregard for the translation and your rates and conditions. The extra payment is a big red light in this
particular case.

May 2012

May 31, 2012: Proceedings against Maremagnum

It has come to the ProZ.com team's attention that legal proceedings are being prepared against the outsourcer known as MTM / Maremagnum Servicio
Lingüístico / Grupo Universal / Grupo MTM / GRUPO TRADUCTORES ASOCIADOS / GLOBAL SCHOOL EMITIEM SL, see http://www.proz.com/blueboard/753

If you have worked for them you may be interested in providing information. The following information has been provided by Spanish authorities:

If you have worked for this outsourcer and are a member of the APTIC (Catalonian T&I association) please contact the secretariat at [email protected]
If you have worked for this outsourcer and are a member of ASETRAD or ACEtt, please contact the council for your organization with information.

If you have worked for this outsourcer and are not a member of the above organizations, please visit https://www10.gencat.net/jusinte_di/AppJava/jsp/form/idioma.jsp
In providing information, please be sure to cite the Maremagnum case.

In addition, a ProZ.com private forum has been created to allow those who are interested to share information and coordinate regarding this issue.
If you would like to be added to this private forum, please contact site staff directly, using the online support system.

May 30, 2012: The "private investor" strikes back

A colleague was contacted via Aquarius.net by a scammer using the name Marielle Khouri and the email address [email protected]

Concerned about the vagueness of the offer, the translator wrote "From your email I cannot gather any information about you, your firm or the
services you provide. Can you please let me know where you are based, etc? I am sure you understand that prior to accepting any work, I need to make
sure I work to reputable people/companies that will fulfil their part of the deal."

The "client" replied:

Hello, I am a private investor, I work on short time businesses. 
My address is 41 Great Victoria St, Belfast BT2, UK, +447045786186      
Now I guess you have an idea of whom you about to deal with.
Regards.

The translator asked for contact information but failed to verify it, and so she delivered the translation and afterwards she received from Belgium
2000 dollars in fake traveler checks sent by an alleged client of Marielle's. Our colleague had the good sense of going to the police instead of
falling for the scam, so all she lost was the time and efforts she put in the translation.

The scam reported in the April 3 scam alert report included the same address and the payment from Belgium. Several other reports including
the scammer's self-definicion as "a private investor working on short time businesses".These words should fire scam alarms, and are more relevant than
the fake names and email addresses used by the criminals.

May 29, 2012: Fake domain registration renewal message

Members who host their websites with ProZ.com have reported receiving a message with the title "Registration expiration" and a price tag of $75.00
for one year registration addressed to the correct recipient domain name. There is a big link "PROCESS SECURE PAYMENT" and the message says:

To: Domain Owner
Your order #22343302 has been received and is currently processing. Registration includes SE submission for EXPRESSIONLANGSERVICES.COM for 12 months.   
There is no obligation to pay for this order unless you complete your payment by Apr 30, 2012. SE Services provides submission services and search  
engine ranking organization for domain owners.
Failure to complete your search engine registration by Apr 30, 2012 may result in the cancellation of this order (making it difficult for your   
customers to locate you using search engines on the web).

Note that the message does not mention the expiry or renewal of the domain registration, but it clearly attempts to scare the recipient into thinking
that their domain registration is about to expire so that they will click on “PROCESS SECURE PAYMENT” and complete the payment process. This payment
will not renew the domain and it will give only access to questionable services. Also you may be displaying your payment information in a dangerous way.

The reported messages were sent from:
Attention Expiration of Domain <[email protected]>
Attention Domain Registration Ending <[email protected]>

You will find additional information and many other domains associated with this operation at http://www.mywot.com/en/forum/21380-domain-registration-renewal-scams

May 24, 2012: Scammers impersonating Bechtel Corporation

Scammers operating from Egypt (IP address 41.153.159.166) are attempting to impersonate the legitimate Bechtel Corporation
www.bechtel.com using the fake email address [email protected]

May 23,2012: The scammer impersonating Michael Becker is still active

A member reported an overpayment scam impersonating Michael Becker from the fake email address [email protected] where she
received a check for an amount higher than the agreed one, and was requested to wire via Western Union the excess payment to:
BUSISIWE BALFOUR, CAPE TOWN 7441,South Africa. The member lost the time spent in the translation but the did not wire the money.

This scam had been reported in our March 20 report.

May 22, 2012: Scammers stealing translations from Italy

Two colleagues reported receiving a translation request from Spanish into Italian with a promise of payment upon delivery and the urgent request of
sending the first section of the file on the following day. The IP address locates the scammers in the north of Italy.

In one case the fake contact data used was Maria Berg, [email protected] and in the other case it was : Laura Jones, [email protected] (in
this case they claimed to be located in Perú). In boths cases the translators send the requested translations and lost contact with the “outsourcer” afterwards.

Remember to avoid starting a job unless you have positive identification of the "client". Asking for advance payment can be an additional precaution
when working with new customers.

May 21, 2012: Scammers stealing translations from Madrid

Two translators reported a scamming message in Spanish sent using the name "María Medeiro", the email address '[email protected]' and an IP
address 85.58.28.51 that locates the scammers in Madrid:

Subject: frances español
Necesitaria traducir un texto que adjunto del frances al castellano y me gustaria saber que me podria costar y si lo puede hacer con urgencia, gracias

As usual the request is very brief and urgent, and there is no information on the sender. Style is more revealing than fake names and addresses.

Apparently the objective of the scam is to steal the translation (not the more frequent overpayment scam) and it is similar to the scam sent by
"Gonzalo Benjumeda", also from Madrid and also using a Hotmail address, reported in our scam alert of April 20, 2012.

May 17, 2012: Two known scammers with new skins

The "private investor from 46 Belgrave Rd" reported on April 19 is still at work, this time using the very unique name "John Smith" and the email address
[email protected]

The business traveler who will give a conference abroad and needs a translation so "each of my audience can have a copy", reported on February 25
and May 8 was reported by two new victims, both English to Arabic translators. In one case the name used was a classic "Ray Morgan", email unreported,
victim did not wire the overpayment but lost the translation time.

In the second case the name used was "Richard Taylor" and the email address [email protected] IP located the scammer in Cairo, Egypt, and
the victim was asked to wire the overpayment (check of USD950 send for a USD100 job) to:
First Name: Fatimon Last Name: Oladejo
Address: 37 Sharawy Street,Heliopolis,
City: Cairo Country: Egypt

May 13, 2012: Scam sent from a ProZ.com paid profile

Scammers created a ProZ.com profile http://www.proz.com/profile/1594835 with username translatorskool, paid membership for better
credibility and used this profile to send scam messages to translators from the address [email protected]

One instance of the Secret Shopper scam was reported, but most colleagues reported a classic overpaymen scam job offer:

Good day,
I just saw your profile on proz, i have a job for you, i will like to know if you are available or not. Please get back to me if you
are interested
Please keep in touch
Regards
[email protected]

The profile used for sending this scam has been blocked and kept visible with a warning to let translators who received the
messages that they are dealing with a scammer.

Once again, learning the scammers' style can be more useful than knowing the disposable names or email addresses they use and drop.

May 11, 2012: New impersonation of the "project book" scam

A new impersonation of the scam reported on April 16 has been sent to two members, this time using the name "James", the email address
[email protected] and the IP address 50.82.103.179 (USA):

Hello,
A translator is needed to translate a project book from English to French language,should you be interested contact me with your CV.and let me know
if you can translate to Spanish as well.
Regards.

May 10, 2012: "Wallet lost abroad" again

A new version of the classic "wallet lost abroad" scam is being sent today involving our colleague Klaus Urban. ProZ.com site staff are currently
getting in touch with Klaus on the matter. The fake message states:

Bad Situation..........Urgent Help Needed

I really don’t mean to inconvenience you right now but I'm writing this with tears in my eyes. I made a quick trip to Antigue, Philippine for a short
Stay. Unfortunately I was robbed at the hotel car parking by some set of robbers at the hotel where I stay, all cash, credit card and mobile phones 
were stolen from me but fortunately for me I still got my passports with me.

I have been to the embassy and to the police to report the case but the they are not helping the matter in any case. Now I don't have enough money with
me to get my air fare back home and pay for the hotel bills and the hotel management won't allow me to leave. I'm pleading with you to loan me $2,850 
Dollars right now and wire it via western union money transfer with my name. I'll pay back as soon as I get home. I need to sort out the hotel bills 
and get back home with available flight.

I'm freaked out at the moment.
Klaus Urban"

May 9, 2012: Lego Translations has a web page but they are not located where they claim to be

A colleague received the following invitation from "Amelia Fredricksen", email address [email protected] and IP address: 86.108.51.115:

Dear all,
we are looking for reliable translators of Arabic <> English (8500 words) .
please send us your CV and your most competitive rate .
Thanks,
Amelia Fredricksen
www.legotranslations.com"

The above link leads to a page for Lego Translations, with contact information: Los angeles,CA, 1419 Westwood Blvd, United States
Lego Translations is not registered in the Blue Board and the web page looks "self-contained", with no external references in Google.
The contact information contains no phone number
The address indicated in the contact information belongs to Ketab Corp., a specialized bookstore that also perform translations from English to
Persian and vice versa, but never heard of Lego Translations.
The IP address used for contacting the translator is based in Amman, Jordan
The content of Lego Translations's Quality Assurance page can be found at http://www.native-translator.gr/qualitaetsgarantie_preise.html
The content of Lego Translations's Localization page can be found at http://www.abacustranslators.com/services.php
The content of Lego Translations's Multilingual Desktop Publishing page can be found at http://odbfy.com/Services-2.htm
This could be irrelevant, but on April 17 we reported a scam also based on Jordan using the company name "Lengotrans".

May 8, 2012: Update on names and addresses of known scams

The "Daniel Cole from Anchorage" scam included in our scam alert report of May 3, 2012 has shifted now to "Gregory Laventure" writing from [email protected]

Hello,
How are you doing today and am Gregory Laventure.I want to know if you will be available for translation and from English to which language can you 
translate to,get back to me also how much do you charge per word.Hope to read from you soonest.
Kind regards,
Gregory Laventure
905 Richardson Vista Rd
Anchorage, AK 99501, USA.
           909-521-8315

Also there is a new instance of the classic scam asking for translation of a presentation "so each of my audience can have a copy" (their signature)
included in our scam alert report of February 25, 2012. This time the message was sent by "Dr Theresa Collins" from the address [email protected]

Greetings,
I'm Dr Theresa Collins from Boulevard,CA and i'll be departing to United Kingdom on a business trip tomorrow.However,i will need your service to 
translate some documents for me.I need to make a presentation to some groups of French speaking people in Tunisia on the 30th of June ,2012.I will need
you to translate the papers from English to French so each of my audience can have a copy in French language and they can follow through.I will also
need the work to be delivered before June 27th,2012.looking forward to hear back from you soon.
Let me know your rate and charges.Presentation is attached.
Dr T Collins"

May 7, 2012: Bill Gordon scams translators and dance instructors

A member reported the following scam message sent using the name "Gordon Bill" and the email address [email protected]:

Subject: inquiry
Sir/Madam,
I found your info while searching for a professional LANGUAGE INTERPRETER/TRANSLATOR and i want to believe you are such a reliable and experienced
one.i have 4 man delegate coming from SPAIN for their (ANNUAL FINANCIAL CONFERENCE) within your location.how ever,they don't understand English 
Language,SPANISH Language is the only language they understand,so am seeking for ENGLISH-SPANISH INTERPRETER basically for oral communication for 3 
hours each day Monday to Saturday (morning hours).

The delegate would be arriving on the 1st day of JULY 2012, ENDING: 8th JULY 2012.
Further more,an agent has been contracted for their accommodation and flight logistics.

Lastly,On confirmation of the above stated i want you to get back to me with the Grand total cost for the whole period specified including all
applicable taxes 'if' there is such?.what is your payment options? Hope you accept credit cards?

Your prompt reply will be appreciated.
Regards,
Gordon Bill
P.O. Box 7841
Sudbury, L18 8BY Liverpool UK.
Cell: + 447024036871      
Fax: +448-712-563-610"

A quick investigation in the web revealed an identical message sent by "Owen Goldman" and from a Nigerian IP, see http://tiny.cc/s4fydw
I also found a very similar letter from the same Bill Gordon asking for a dance lessons "for 3 hours each day Monday to Saturday (morning hours)".
In this case Bill writes: "I found your information while surfing for a dance instructor within your location.how ever,i want to believe you are a
dance teacher/instructor reliable with a good teaching experience.

Once again, learning the scammers' style can be more useful than knowing the disposable names or email addresses they use and drop.

May 5, 2012: Secret shopper again

A new instance of the Secret Shopper scam, where the victims are "hired" to test the services of Western Union by wiring good money
in exchange for forged checks receives has been reported, this time using the name of "Barry Christine" and the email address [email protected]
Learn more about this kind of scams at http://www.proz.com/about/translator-scam-alerts/default#secret_shopper_western_union_testing_scam

May 4, 2012: Overpayment scams from Nick Ungefug

There is a long history of overpayment scams associated to the name Nick Ungefug (The name Ungefug is very German, meaning mischief).
Telltale signs: sent BCC, not personalized, no reference to you, not even the required target language! A second name and email address is usually added.
Some recent examples:

From: Nick Ungefug Date: 2011/9/22
Subject: 4200 words project
To: "sh.simpson2"  (Sharon Simpson)
I have a project of about 4200 words on home schooling. I am in need of a translator who can deliver within 2 weeks. Email me estimate and process to
achieve this. Let me know what language you are based on.
[email protected]

Subject:piece of project:
Nick Ungefug [email protected]
Hello,
I have a piece of project to be translated. It could be needed in a couple of languages. 
The source is English. Kindly let me know your charging rate, language you can handle and payment method accepted.
I wait to hear from you soonest.
Regards
[email protected]

Nick Ungefug [email protected]
to sa.smith247, bcc: me
I got your contact from a translator directory while I was searching for a reliable translator to handle my project. I am a private investor who 
invest on short time projects. Kindly copy both emails for prompt response.
Sarah Smith
[email protected]

May 3, 2012: Overpayment scam from Daniel Cole and Williams Greene

Several members received an overpayment message sent by scammers using the names "Daniel Cole" and "Williams Greene" and the email addresses
[email protected] and [email protected] and [email protected]

The first message was sent BBC and it said:

Hello,
How are you doing today and am Daniel Cole.I want to know if you will be available for translation and from English to which language can you translate 
to,get back to me also how much do you charge per word.Hope to read from you soonest."

To the usual lack of information on the sender this message adds the absurd of having a client contacting translators to ask about their working
language pairs. How were the translators selected in the first place?

The second message had attached a 2500 word document of drugs and their affect on the brain and it said:

Hello,
Thanks for your swift response and am very happy to read from you,i want it to translate it and from English to {target language} also let me know the
total cost. The document is base on drug so we want to use to it to create more awareness on drug for those who abuse it and the article will be read
by teenagers.
I want it back in 20 days however the payment will be through Check which is in Aud $ so send me your name and address with phone number where the 
payment will be mail to and am ready to make deposit so you can start with the translation soonest,hope to hear read from you soon.
I wish you a pleasant day.
Regards,
Daniel Cole
905 Richardson Vista Rd
Anchorage, AK 99501, USA.

The third email made the nature of the scam very clear:

Morning,
Thanks for your mail and how is your day going? Some people request for translation to be done and run away with your money,i do have a personal 
translation but right now she is sick that is why am looking for a competent and trustworthy translation.I have gave a job to a translation and paid 
him advance and he did run away with my money and i don't want to be a victim anymore but am ready to give you a chance which i will pay you upfront 
because there are many jobs we are going to do together.This is a charity which help less privilege kid around there world also the money is needed for 
Republic of Vanuatu relief,I hope you understand me.

However,my sponsor notify me that the money order has mail out and there was a mistake with the amount which is 2700 Aud so what i want you to do know 
is get it cashed and you will send the difference back to us after you have deduct your money so you will send it to us through western union,you are 
saving a million lives and may God almighty bless you as you do so.Awaits your mail soon.
I wish you a pleasant day ahead
Regards

This is a classic overpayment scam described at http://www.proz.com/about/translator-scam-alerts/default#advance_payment_overpayment_scam

The IP addresses associated to these messages locate their sender in Lagos, Nigeria, far away from Anchorage, Alaska.

Surprisingly the scammers have been using the same name "Daniel Cole" in several different scams, see http://www.danbirlew.com/daniel-cole-scam-now-targeting-writers/
or http://www.consumerfraudreporting.org/bizscamGB_DanielColeHSBC.php or http://www.419scam.org/emails/2010-01/04/00990850.1.htm or
http://antifraudintl.org/showthread.php?p=65116

May 2, 2012: "John Yates" shares phone numbers with "Guy Fernandez Secret Shopper" and "Tom Barker Secret Shopper"

A clever colleague reported receiving the following messages from scammers using the name "John Yates" and the email address [email protected]

Hello,
I need a translator who understands English/French to help me with translating aproject. Are you available at the moment,so we could proceed?
What is your charge? I expect your urgent response.
Best Regards"

When asked for more information, the scammer wrote:

Hi,
Thanks for your reply
I will be coming to France in 2weeks.I need translator to translate up to 15,700 source of words for me from English into French.
I am offering 0.10euro/word. If agreed, Part payment will be issued out before commencement of work for i do understand it is necessary since we  
working online.
Your information is needed for background check and confirmation hence i require you to provide me with your full name and address and mobile phone number.
I await your urgent response.
Best Regards
John Yates
+447956968663             (sms only)
+442081446028

The key element in this investigation are the phone numbers above, already included in several reports as used by scammers "Guy Fernandez Secret
Shopper" and "Tom Barker Secret Shopper".

April 2012

April 30, 2012: Overpayment offer from [email protected]

Our scam alert of March 22 reported two cases of overpayment scam sent from the address [email protected] Now we received reports of a scam
sent from the new address but this time we received the IP address (41.151.241.146 - Johannesburg, South Africa) and the full text:

Subject: translator needed
Sent by: williams 
Hello, good day to you. There is a document I will like you to work on for me. I want it translated into English. The source language is spanish. 
Let me know if you are available so I can forward the document. Thank you

This text is a classic example of scammer writing, including the lack of information on both sender and subject, the lack of concern about rates
and conditions, the very brief and special wording, etc. This should be a warning signal for any informed linguist.

April 27, 2012: Wallet lost in Scotland but reported from USA

Two members reported receiving a "wallet lost abroad" scam message allegedly from certified PRO member Yumico Tanaka, who of course is not related
to this operation in any way and who has been already alerted about this scam. The message was:

Subject: Financial Assistance
Hello, How are you doing today? I know this might be a surprise to you but am sorry to reach out to you in this manner. I apologize for not informing 
you about my travel to Scotland for a Meeting.

Everything is going fine but there's a little problem, I misplaced my wallet on my way back to the hotel and right now all my credit cards and money
are gone. Am sending you this message to inform you that am stranded at the moment and need your help financially. Am not sure if you have that much 
but will you be able to help me with a loan of 1600 British Pounds to pay the hotel bills and get back home?

I will appreciate whatever amount you can afford to help me with and am sorry for the inconvenience this message might cause you but please understand
that am in a very bad situation right now and would appreciate if you could help me out. I will email you the transfer details upon your reply.

Thank you in advance.
Best regards,
Yumico Tanaka

Please note: All my email transactions are monitored by another Proz.com certified translator for the sake of safety and decency.

The message was allegedly sent from Scotland, but the IP address shows that it was sent from the USA.

April 23, 2012: Overpayment scam targeting interpreters

Two colleagues reported the same overpayment scam attempt targeting interpreters using names White Briggs <[email protected]> and Rogers Mills
<[email protected]>. IP addresses 184.105.146.9 and 216.218.254.19 locate the scammers in Fremont, CA, USA

The first contacts were:

Hello, I write to inquire for the service of an English to Spanish Interpreter for an upcoming event in Spain.Kindly reply if interested.
Warm Regards,
White Briggs

Hello, I write to inquire for the service of an English to French Interpreter for an upcoming event in Belgium.Kindly reply if interested.
Warm Regards,
Mills Rogers"

Both interpreters asked different questions but both got the same identical answer (Even in the exchange started by "White Briggs" this reply was
signed by "Rogers Mills"):

Thank you very much for your reply.I am interested in booking you for 3 to 4 days between 11th to 15th of June.
Purpose: To work as a liaison Interpreter between myself and 3 French speaking independent business men. 
Venue: Barcelona, Spain Time : 9am to 4pm daily
Subject: To develop marketing Concept and Strategies on how to introduce a new product in Spain.
Kindly note that the website is under construction and i shall supply you any other information as we unfold issues.
I am a very busy person and i will be happy to get what the fee for your service will be so i can plan along with it because I have many assignments
on my neck between now and the next 3 weeks.
Will await your response.
Warm Regards,
Mills Rogers"

One of the interpreters kept asking for verifiable contact information to no avail. In the last (fourth) message received before the interpreter
gave up, the scammers wrote:

Thank you for your reply.You sound very matured and interesting.I think you deserve the job ... I went through the quote and i think is pretty fair.I
shall send you my materials as soon as they are ready to keep you updated and other necessary information.Kindly supply payment details so that i can
treat it before i embark on my traveling in the next few days.Will always contact you via mail.Please supply, name to be written on check, full address 
to send the check and your direct mobile number so i can make a deposit while you block those days for me.
Warm Regards,
Mills Rogers"

Both interpreters acted wisely and detected the scam. The next step would have been the sending of a (false) check for an excess amount and a
later request to wire the "excess payment" back.

April 20, 2012: "Gonzalo Benjumeda" scam from Madrid

Two colleagues have reported being scammed by a person using the name Gonzalo Benjumeda and the email address [email protected] and
writing from IP address 85.58.16.184 (Madrid).

Both first messages (in Spanish) had the classic "scammer style", no greetings, very brief and with no information about the sender. They were:

Necesito saber si puede realizarme una traduccion del portugues al español y que me costaria,

and

Necesito presupuesto para una traducción del turco al español. Adjunto documento, gracias

Both colleagues delivered their translations. One of them lost track of the "client" immediately after delivery. The other one asked for advance
payment and got a transfer order that was later found to be false.

April 19, 2012: Over-payment scam from “George William"

On April 7 we alerted about a scam requesting translators "to translate a project book" from Norfolk, UK. Now two more reports were received with
additional information that, even if false, will help us recognize the style and data used by this particular scammer. Name and address were still
“George William" and [email protected] and the first message was, again:

Hello,
A translator is needed to translate a project book from English to Italian language,should you be  interested contact me with your CV."

The second message included:

Thanks for your urgent response. I am looking for a translator to work on the pair stated for the new book that I am working on.I have chosen you to  
work on the project for we are in-between a new business that will require us to write out in {target language} . I will attached the project if u 
are ready, just want you to have an understanding of what we are about to do. I am a private investor, I work on short time businesses. my address is
46 Belgrave Rd
Redbridge,
London
Zip Code: E11 3QW,
Country: UK

The address given is in London but the IPs are from the West of England.
In the third message the scammer offered paying 30% in advance by check and asked, as usual, for Full Name, Full address, city, state, zip code and
a Direct phone number. Clearly an over-payment scam.

April 17, 2012: Scam with stolen text

A member reported the following job offer via his ProZ.com profile from non-logged-in visitor "Agatha Wear", email address [email protected]
and IP address 92.253.88.228:

Dear Translator,
We are recruiting translators who can translate Medical German into English text for Monday morning. This is part of a larger job. Files would be in 
.pdf format. Please contact us if you are interested & include your CV .

Best regards,
Agatha Wear
22 Floral Street, Covent Garden, London AC3 9DH. 
[email protected]
www.lengotrans.co.cc"

This text is different from normal overpayment scams. The text is better and there is a reasonable amount of information on the sender, so we move
into the next step and start investigating this data, to find:

The address provided by the sender is no London, but the IP address of the message locates them in Jordan
There is a well know translation company with a name very close to Lengotrans, but no translation agency with that name was found in Google
The text in the email is better that usual because it was stolen from a job posted at ProZ.com on March 16, 2012
Avira generates an alarm about web page http://www.lengotrans.co.cc/ "Warning. In order not to compromise your security, this page will not be
accessed. The requested URL has been identified as a potentially dangerous website."

PS: additional instances of this scam have been reported with different IP addresses but the same email address and variations of the same basic text.

April 16, 2012: Similar scam from 3 addresses

Three different email addresses have been reported as sending a scam job offer to translators with very similar texts. Once more, the first alert
comes from the poor grammar and the lack of information on the sender. If you read an offer like these and failed to delete it immediately, then the
next step should be getting verifiable contact information from the sender.

The following message was sent by "monika", email [email protected] and IP address 41.155.66.53 (Nigeria) and also by "John", email
[email protected] and IP address 146.185.29.99 (England):

Hello
,A translator is needed to translate a project book from english to Hungarian language,should you be interested contact me with your CV.
Warm Regards

A slightly more elaborate version was sent by "Alan Ferguson", email [email protected] and IP address 41.155.40.97 (Nigeria):

Hello,
A translator is needed to translate a project book from English to French language,The tittle of the book is project management made easy and the 
total number of words are 17610 words. should you be interested contact me with your CV.
warm regards,
Alan."

April 12, 2012: Scam attempt by Robert Hanson

A member reported receiving a job offer that is most likely a scam. Senders used the identity Robert Hanson and the email address
[email protected] and the IP address 69.22.186.174 locates them in the New York area. The message was:

Hello, i need to translate a document from English language to German as soon as possible, please get back to me if you are available for the job. 
Thanks

Translator asked for the file to be translated and, according to its properties, it was saved by "High Chief Ogunsanya". Besides the classic scammer
style (with no identification at all, short to the point of being impolite), a quick Google search revealed several hits of Nigerian scams
associated to both the names " Robert Hanson" and "Ogunsanya"

April 7, 2012: Scam attempt by George William

A colleague was contacted by scammers using the name “George William" and the email address [email protected] with an IP address
91.228.3.120 locating them in Norfolk, UK. The first message was:

“Hello,
A translator is needed to translate a project book from english to Polish language,should you be interested contact  me with your CV.
Regards”

The next message was:

"Thank for getting back to me..The subject of the book is Project Management ,I will be waiting to read back  from you.."

When the translator asked for an identity verification including a physical address and a land phone number, the scammers went
away looking for less prepared victims.

Names and email addresses are important, but so is recognizing the scammers’ “style”. Red lights should flash when you receive a
translation request with no signature, no details and short to the point of being impolite.
And remember to always identify the “client” before committing to a job.

April 5, 2012: "Business Sustainability Management Framework" scam

An advance payment scam has been reported by several translators in the form of the request for the translation if a long PDF file on "Business
Sustainability Management Framework".

IP addresses locate the origin of these messages at Pretoria, South Africa and the "client" assumes several fake identities, among them:

Ann Woods, [email protected]
Martin Flora, [email protected]
Charles Weblon, [email protected]
Ron Strauss, [email protected]
Teresa Lartuna (mail unreported)
Flora Mcmannan ([email protected])

In at least one of the cases the initial message was:

Hello, good day to you. There is a document I will like you to work on for me. I want it translated into Spainish. The source language is English. 
Let me know if you are available so I can forward the document. Thanks.
Ann

April 3, 2012: Overpayment scam from Elle Schumacher

Another overpayment scam attempt was reported by a member. This time the scammers wrote from the address [email protected] and claimed the
following contact information: Elle Schumacher; 21 Great Victoria Street; BT2; BELFAST

The original message was a classic scam opening:

"I have a piece of work to be translated. I want to know the language you handle and your charging rate.
I await these details soonest.
Regards"

Note the total lack of information on the "client" or the nature of the translation job required, and the request to report "the language you
handle". What kind of search did they perform if they don't know "the language (SIC) you handle"?

All translator's conditions were accepted and a price of 900 Euros was agreed for the translation of an e-book. "Client" indicated that payment
would< be 50% in advance with checks and when translator objected the related high banking fees, the client offered to cover these costs (more red
light here).

Three days later the translator received a normal mail envelope sent from Antwerpen, Belgium, by a different sender, containing 2500 dollars in
traveler checks. When asked about this excess payment the "client" urged her to cash the checks. At this point the translator had the good sense of
going to the bank to have the checks verified, and of course they turned out to be false.

Never engage in a business proposition from strangers unless you have positive (verified) information on their identity. Also ask yourself why they
selected you and do your risk management homework.

March 2012

March 29, 2012: Overpayment attempt by Robert Hanson

A Proz.com member received a profile message from a non-logged-in visitor who called himself "Robert Hanson", with an address [email protected]
and an IP address that located him in Chicago, USA.

The original message simply said "hi. i've got some documents for translation." and the next messages expanded it to ""Yes about 12,000 english
words. i will forward the document to you as soon as we complete negociation. what is your rate and what is your mode of payment?" and "it has
to do with the climatic change. you can also be paid with a check . i will forward the document to you as soon as possible so you can get back to me
with the total cost price."

When the translator asked the "client" about his current location, "Robert Hanson" declared to be "presently in the south africa to get some
informations." Since the IP address located the client in USA, the member demanded identification and other related information and did not hear
back from the "client".

This looks a lot like an advance payment scam attempt cleverly averted by the translator. Also, it may be irrelevant, but I have seen a lot of
scams where the pronoun "I" is written like a small "i".

March 27, 2012: Impersonation of the legitimate company ASTA-USA

Mr. Trevor Devlin from the company ASTA-USA has reported that another company (which uses the website www.tr-services.us) is using ASTA-USA's
physical address on their purchase orders. ASTA-USA is taking legal actions on this issue. An investigation in the Web lead to two translators who
were abused by these scamers, contact name Silvia. In both cases they delivered a translation, lost contact with the "client" and were never paid.

One of them provided a PO dated Feb 21, 2012 with the header "Translation Services", the physical address of ASTA-USA, the email address
[email protected] and the web address www.tr-services.us. The IP address in the emails corresponds to Egypt.

In the second case the scammers approached a legitimate end client misrepresenting a serious translation agency (different from ASTA-USA), got the
translation job and assigned it to the victim. Scammers got paid by the end client and then vanished. When contacted by the translator, the end
client acted honorably and paid her, even though they had already paid the scammer.

The web page http://www.tr-services.us/ offers many language-related services, shows a list of prestigious clients and invites translators to offer
their services, but it has no contact information besides the [email protected] email address.

March 26, 2012: Secret Shopper scam / Western Union scam

A new variant of the "Secret shopper" or "Western Union" scam has been reported by several colleagues. The messages are sent by "Joel Greenwood,
Judd Financial Services hiring manager".

The scammer will contact you offering you a job position (you did not requested) in a Payment Protection services company, after reviewing your CV
that you didn't submit). The job is a part-time assignment with good salary and commissions and all you have to do is receive in your accounts the
payments from the "buyers" and, once the transaction was cleared, to keep your remuneration and to wire the remaining amounts to the "sellers".

You will receive checks or similar instruments that you will deposit in your bank account and the bank will credit the money, then you will transfer
the payments to the "sellers". Later, the checks will be found to be forged or stolen and you will lose all the money you transferred and you will
have legal problems for handling bad checks.

Find the text of the message and the contract offered to the victims who play along at
http://wiki.proz.com/wiki/index.php/Detecting_and_reacting_to_false_job_offers_and_other_scams#Variant:_Payment_protection_services

March 22, 2012: Overpayment scam by Ashley Williams

Two independent sources have reported scams related to work orders received from "Ashley Williams" or "Ashley Wealthy" through the email address
[email protected] (the names are probably fake and no one called that way should be considered related to this scam).

In both cases the translators accepted the job in spite of having no real contact information and in both cases the "client" refused to pay via
Paypal and stated that payment would be by check. In one of the cases a fake check was received for an amount larger than agreed (a classic "excess
payment" scam), while in the other case no payment (long overdue) has been received yet.

March 21, 2012: More on the scam impersonating Michael Becker

After the alarm was sent yesterday, several translators provided additional information of the scammer impersonating Michael Becker from the email
address [email protected]

The scammer contacts translators making reference to a job published and then deleted at ProZ.com asking for availability. In the second message he
sends a text and asks for a quote. The third message asks for a lot of contact information and says:

"Thank you for your reply.Am out to Sweden at the moment but not a problem working together.I agree with your quoted rate, i will be paying in EURO
Bank Cheque.Your full payment will be issued out before commencement of work for i do understand it is necessary since we working online."

The fourth message reveals a classic "excess payment" scam:

"Payment was sent today by my client,but there was a mistake as my client purchase a Bank Draft check of Euro 4650 on your name which include my
traveling agent fees to you.After cashing, you will take your down payment.I don't think there is anything to worry about for the trust i have in
you.You will send the excess funds to my agent for my trip to France.Please watch out for the payment and let me know when you receive it.Thanks for  
your understanding."

Of course the check will prove a forgery and the victim risks losing the time invested in the translation and also the "excess payment" wired to the
criminals, plus possible legal problems for cashing a forged check. Remember to get full and verified contact information from any client approaching
you before investing time in them.

March 20, 2012: Scam impersonating Michael Becker

ProZ.com member Michael Becker has reported that scammers are attempting to steal from translators by posting fake jobs in his name, using the email
address [email protected] (already blocked in ProZ.com). ALERT: The address [email protected] does not belong to Michael and anything
coming from it should be considered a scam attempt.

This operation was detected because two potential victims had the good sense of contacting Michael via his ProZ.com profile asking for him to
confirm the job offer, and because Michael immediately reported this to ProZ.com staff.

Further investigation unearthed a previous job posted in January at ProZ.com (it had been deleted by staff because it was identical to another job
from an unrelated outsourcer) and a currently deleted ProZ.com profile with the username "compase".

Please spread the voice among colleagues, including a link to this report. It is likely that many translators have receive these false job offers
and only two (and you) have been told so far that this is a scam.

Read more about this kind of scam at http://www.proz.com/about/translator-scam-alerts/default#impersonated_client_scam

March 16, 2012: Good risk management

A colleague wrote today asking for a risk evaluation of a proposal received from a stranger via her ProZ.com profile.

The message said: "Am in need of your translation service; English to Polish.Get back to me as soon as possible."
A name was provided in the header together with a free fantasy email address (unrelated to the name)
The author of this proposal was not a registered ProZ.com user or was not logged in when the offer was sent. * IP address was from Sylva, NC, USA

There is not enough information to call this a scam. In fact there is not enough information for any kind of evaluation. The message is short to
the point of being unpolite. No "dear xxx", no greetings of any kind, no signature. Not a word about what the job is (except for the language pair).
No explanation on how the translator was selected.

In my personal case this is enough to send the message to the dust bin without further reflection, but if you want to explore this opportunity you
should first find out in a verifiable way who your potential client is (physical address, a phone land line where you should place a call, etc.)

Also you could ask for a sample of the test to be translated and google every piece of data you received from the "client", and anything else required
to have you comfortably convinced that you are dealing with a real person with a real need. The first task when contacted by a stranger is to
verify its identity. Translation comes later.

You could also ask for a 50% advance payment and not start the translation until payment is received. If check received is for a sum larger than
agreed and you are asked to wire back the difference then cut all connections, as scam will be confirmed.

A last note: the colleague wrote "It looks suspicious, though it was sent by ProZ." Please note that this message was not sent by ProZ.com, and not
even by a ProZ.com member. The message states "The author is not a registered ProZ.com user or was not logged in when sending this message." so all
we know is that somebody found the colleague's profile and used the "send message" feature.

March 15, 2012: Scam impersonating Industranslation

On February 28, 2012 Mr. Kamran Nadeem, the Operational Manager at www.industranslation.com reported that scammers were misusing his name and
profile to cheat translators from a fake address [email protected] . Translators are offered jobs at good rates and, after delivery,
they are not paid and their emails are no longer answered. Apparently at least six translators have been cheated this way.

Besides issuing the scam alert, the fake address was blocked in ProZ.com and a warning was posted in the Blue Board page http://www.proz.com/blueboard/7728

Now Mr. Nadeem has reported that the scammers keep impersonating him, this time using the fake address [email protected] (also
blocked and added to the Blue Board page)

This is a clasic example of scammers who steal translations by impersonating a legitimate ourtsourcer. Translators should not start working without
a positive identification of the client. In this case a corporate Gmail email address should set alerts, and a verification of the IP address would
locate the scammer in China (the real outsourcer is based in the USA).

March 13, 2012: : Advance payment scam / overpayment scam

A colleague received from an unknown person the request to translate an attached text, with a very generous deadline, and she replied with a quite
high rate, bearing in mind she did not know the potential customer, or how he had reached her.
The "client's" wrote in his second email:

"Am very much happy to read back from you. I felt so great and comfortable with the charges for the pages in which am sure it will be well prepared,
easy and well understood by the reader. 

Kindly get back to me with your Full Name to be on the payment, your Address and zip code and your cell phone number so i can instruct my secretary to 
issue out the full payment as soon as possible for the service.Do note that you will not release the translation to me not until have the payment with 
you. I will need your immediate response via email assuring me that i can trust you to handle this with care

When the translator, feeling uneasy, tried to get more information on the identity of the client, he never answered back. This was most probably a
failed "overpayment" scam and the professionalism of the translator saved her money, time and troubles.

Remember that when approached with a proposal you need to know (and verify) the real identity of your client. Professional outsourcers will respect
you more if you verify them, and scammers will go away looking for a less careful victim.

March 12, 2012: Phishing "data verification" scam

A member reported a classing phishing scam targeting PayPal users:

Subject: Warning! Your PayPal account was limited!

Dear Customer,
Warning! Your PayPal account was limited!
As part of our security measures, we regularly activity in the PayPal screen to learn recently you were contacted after finding a problem on your 
Account. at the request of information from you for the reason follows:What's the problem?
-Our system detected unusual charges to a card Credit linked to your PayPal account.
Click To Confirm 
PayPal Email ID: 5138-8872
Department of examining the accounts of PayPal.
The PayPal Corp. Copyright 1999-2012. All rights reserved

Sincerely,
PayPal

This is a basic version of phishing scam, were the victim is induced to click on a link, or sometimes on an image with an embedded link that will
install a trojan or virus in his/her computer.

Please note that no serious institution will write a personalized message like this to a customer addressing him/her as "dear customer" (they should
have at least an user name). Also the description of the problem is confusing, close to meaningless.

If you receive a mesage like this allegedly from Paypal, a bank, a government institution, etc. just delete it without a second thought.

Read more at http://www.proz.com/about/translator-scam-alerts/default#phishing_data_verification_scam

March 9, 2012: Advance payment scam / overpayment scam

A ProZ.com member reported today that she recently received a request for translation of a document, from a person who claimed to be a student.
The level of English in the email exchanges was very poor.They agreed on a fixed price of 400 USD and she completed the translation, but she kept
it while waiting for the check "which is in the mail". Increasingly concerned, she investigated the IP address of the email to discover that it was
from Nigeria, so it is most likely an overpayment scam.

When you get a job offer from a stranger you should first do your risk management homework until you are reasonable sure that this is a real client
and you have consistent contact information. This kind of inquiry should be done before you start translating and we should be as professional when
we evaluate a job as we are when we translate it. If we fail in this area we are at the mercy of criminals who are experts in exploiting the good
faith of decent people.

March 8, 2012: Employment abroad scam

A colleague reported a situation when he answered to an ad that apparently was from the Ritz Hotel in London, asking for an in house translator
with a rather generous salary, room and board and a lot of other fringe benefits. All his exchange with who apparently was the real HR Hotel’s head
went well, until the time to processing the work permit came and he was asked to contact “their” immigration agent. He did and then was asked to
send certified copies of the related documents and along with them the “agent’s fee” that was about 700 British pounds.

When he wrote back to the HR head and told her that in the Hotel’s ad, it had said the hotel would cover those expenses and the plane ticket, she
answered back and said that it was correct and that the translator would get a reimbursement upon his arrival. It was then when he Googled the
immigration agent’s name and found out that he was a swindler. Of course, if he sent the money he was going to get no job, and definitely no refund.

March 7, 2012: Wallet lost abroad

A variant of the "wallet stolen abroad" scam where the need is due to a medical emergency was reported by the alleged sender of the distress
message, sent from her hacked msn account.

Hi All,
Hope all is well. I've have spent most of Tuesday and Wednesday here in Madrid,I had a trip to Madrid (SPAIN) to be with
my ill Cousin,whom is a student here.I'm writing this with sadness right now,cuz am facing a terrible situation right now.

She was admitted because she had an impaired vision on the left-hand side of her eye. So we assumed that this was migraine
(without the headache), which we taught was her normal sickness, and would disappear in around half an hour. It didn't. It
continued all day and was still there when she woke up on Thursday, though slightly improved. So we took her to the doc who
suspected a stroke and sent her straight off to Acute Stroke Assessment Unit. Nothing showed up on the CT scan, luckily, and
they discharged her with a bag of drugs.. I am deeply sorry for not writing or calling you before leaving, the news of her illness
arrived to me as an emergency and that she needs family support to keep her going, I hope you understand my plight and pardon me.

So I want to transfer her back home to have the surgery implemented with my Doc,the cost of the surgery here is very
expensive, and again i need to monitor her while she's in town with me.So i was wondering if you can help me out monetarily,what
i was looking for was about €2,600 to make the necessary arrangement but right now i have raised €1450 from my family.I
traveled with little money due to the short time I had to prepare for this trip and never expected things to be the way it is right
now,please what am looking for right now is €1150 and i will be so glad if you can help me and I'll surely pay you back upon
return, I need to get her home ASAP because she is going through a lot of pain at the moment and the doctor have advised that it is
necessary that the tumor is operated soon to avoid anything from going wrong. I'll reimburse you upon my return. kindly let me know
if you can be of any help ?
Love,

In order to prevent your accounts from being stolen you should change passwords frequently and be specially careful when using the account in a
shared platform (such as an Internet cafe computer). Passwords should not be stored in unencrypted text files in your computer and the antivirus
should be active and updated.

March 6, 2012: Impersonated client scam

A ProZ.com member contacted Support to report that she completed a job for an agency and then, after delivery, the project manager stopped answering
her emails and disappeared. Looking into the case, the alleged representative from the agency performed all communications with the translator from
the email address [email protected]

The "contact" tab in the web page corresponding to the agency includes the following email addresses for communication:

For general information: [email protected]{agency_name}.com
For submitting résumés: [email protected]{agency_name}.com

This strongly suggests that the translator has been victim of a scam by impersonation as described at http://www.proz.com/about/translator-scam-alerts/default#impersonated_client_scam

The first risk management action to perform when offered a job from a new client is to positively identify this client. No honest client will be
offended if you do your professional homework.

March 5, 2012: Impersonated client scam

Scammer contacted victim from a @rambler.ru email address claiming to be representatives of a legitimate company called Rambler Internet Holdings.
After performing several small editing jobs, the victim found out that Rambler is a common search engine and email provider like Google, and
ramble.ru is an email address that anyone can get. The "jobs" were often "letters" to their US employees praising their work and telling them about
the thousands of dollars in commissions they were racking up (the bait).

After about a week and a half (a few days before they would have had to pay the victim) they lowered the hook. They offered him one of those jobs
receiving payments from their US customers, hoping that his greed would have been piqued by the huge sums mentioned in the editing "jobs". The
victim politely told them that he was not interested (as he was beginning to suspect that this was just a money laundering scheme) and he has not
heard from them since.
A report from another victim published at http://wordsmithforhire.blogspot.com/2011/08/rambler-internet-holdings-scam.html hints at an overpayment
scam, so this is a case that combines impersonation of a legitimate company and advance payment.

March 2, 2012: Nigerian scam

A member reported receiving the following message from a ProZ.com profile (removed immediately after receiving the report):

"Hello Dear,

How are you today? I hope by the special grace of God you are doing wonderfully well! I will like to apologize for contacting you
in this manner over a transaction of this magnitude since we all know that the internet is not a safe means of communication but
it was due to a matter of necessity, i had to do a thorough search on the internet and finally came across your email.

I will rather start by introducing myself, I am Mrs. Olga Patarkatsishvili, the wife of late multimillionaire Badri Patarkatsishvili,
he was found dead at about 10.45 pm, Tuesday February 12, 2008 at our Surrey mansion in United Kingdom, at the age of 52, a month after
running unsuccessfully for the Georgian presidency.My husband was one of the "oligarchs" who made a fortune from the privatization of
state-owned industries during the Yeltsin era and eventually found a haven in Britain, where he was recently linked to a possible bid for
West Ham football club. My marriage to Badri came as a surprise.

http://www.geotimes.ge/index.php?m=home&newsid=11794

I hope after reading through the above websites, you will see that me and my little son is in a very tough and difficult situation, as we
are currently battling with my husband's wife, business partners, Georgian authorities, cousin and his solicitors over his wealth because
he did not leave any will behind, this has made life so frustrating for me and my little son David.

Everything he left for us secretly which includes, banks accounts (both foreign accounts) and properties were confiscated except for a
profiling cash amount of Ten million eight hundred thousand United States dollars that he deposited as diplomatic baggage with a European
firm shortly before he died.

I have all documents relating to these deposit and every other information to proof my legitimacy, this I will definitely sent to you only
once you prove to me that you are genuine, honest, transparent and dedicated to help us. We want you to stand as a beneficiary to retrieve
the above quoted sum as my representative.

Please Do email with these [email protected] for more details many thanks.
Thanks for your understanding.
Remain blessed,
Mrs. Olga Patarkatsishvili"

This is a classic "Nigerian scam" and, according to law enforcement agencies, lots of educated people fall for this kind of trap every year. IP
address 41.218.247.151 tells us that the scam was sent from Accra, Ghana.

March 1, 2012: Wallet lost abroad scam

A ProZ.com member reported receiving the following message, allegedly from a colleague, sent from that colleague's email address:

"Hope you get this on time,sorry I didn't inform you about my trip  in Spain for a Program, I'm presently in Spain and am having some 
difficulties here because i misplaced my wallet on my way to the hotel where my money and other valuable things were kept. presently i have 
limited access to internet,I will like you to  assist me with a loan of 2,950 Euro  to sort-out my hotel bills and to get myself back home.

i have spoken to the embassy here but they are not responding to the matter effectively,I will appreciate whatever you can afford to assist 
me with,I'll Refund the money back to you as soon as i return,let me know if you can be of any help.I don't have a phone where i can be reached.

Please let me know immediately.
Best Regards"

This is a classic ""Wallet lost abroad" scam, where the scammers first capture somebody's email account and then use it to scam others (probably
taken from the email contacts list). IP address was not reported in this case but it is likely to be located outside Spain.

February 2012

February 29, 2012: Advance payment scam / overpayment scam

Several ProZ.com members reported via Support the following scam submitter from two profiles that were deleted as soon as the first reports were eceived:

hello
I am pastor rick zebb from leeds, UK.I will need the service of an English to french Interpreter while i will becoming to grace a wedding 
ceremony in france(paris) as the SpecialGuest Speaker of the occasion on the Friday 23th and Saturday24 of march 2012.The duration will be 
from 2pm-4pm on Friday and 10am-12pm on Saturday. If available for these days and hours, do not hesitate to get back to me with the fee involved 
so i work towards booking the space.
Very Best Regards
rick zebb
447011149073
[email protected]

This is the classic "bishop" version of the advance payment scam. Please note the poor level of English for pastor residing in Leeds.

The IP address was 41.184.17.29 and it traces the sender to Lagos (Nigeria) instead of Leeds (UK). This very simple risk management verification is
enough to protect you in this case.

February 28, 2012: Impersonation of legitimate agency Industranslation

Kamran Nadeem, the Operational Manager at www.industranslation.com has contacted ProZ.com to report that scammers are misusing his name and profile
to cheat translators. To do so scammers have created an email address [email protected] and use it to contact translators, impersonating
Kamran and sending them to Indus Translation Services' blueboard http://www.proz.com/blueboard/7728

Translators are offered jobs at good rates and, after delivery, they are not paid and their emails are no longer answered. Apparently at least six
translators have been cheated this way.

The IP information in the mails received from the scammers locate them in China and further investigations suggest that they could be linked to
http://www.proz.com/blueboard/11110

This is a clasic example of scammers who steal translations by impersonating a legitimate ourtsourcer. As usual, the main line of defense for
translators is a solid risk management procedure, and in particular to get a positive identification of the outsourcer.

Two details should warn translators in this case:

Emails allegedly sent by a corporate outsourcer from a free email account (Gmail in this case) should always ring alarms.
IP addresses of the scammers located them in China while the company is based in the USA. IP addresses of mails from new people contacting us should be always checked, see http://wiki.proz.com/wiki/index.php/Risk_management:_Email for information on how to do it.

The operation of this scammer from [email protected] was reported again on April 4, 2012.

February 27, 2012: Pay-to-work scam

Earlier this month a ProZ.com member reported at http://www.proz.com/topic/217853 that an alleged translation agency based in Australia had offered her attractive work with the condition that they "accepted to cooperate only with WTACA verified members.”

Then they added “WTACA is an international Organization focusing on translation certifications, for more details you can visit their web site www.wtaca.eu.tc” and they requested scanned copy of the translator’s WTACA membership as requirement for incorporation into the agency’s database.

Admission onto WTACA costed €100 so this has all the look and feel of a classic “pay to work” scam, where the victim is asked to pay first as condition for getting access to an attractive job offer.

Further investigation showed that several of the “agency” contact addresses belonged to real translators who were unaware of this misuse of their data. Later the web pages corresponding to both "agency" and "association" became inactive.

Now another ProZ.com member reported at http://www.proz.com/topic/219194 that an allegued Australian agency contacted her indicating that "To ensure high quality translation, we only accept STO (Successful Translators Organization) certified Member. we invite you to visit their website www.sto.eu5.org”
The “agency” presents a PO box as contact address, while the association shows no contact information at all. Admission fee into the STO association is casually €100. At this point the risk management evaluation lights a big red alarm indication.

February 26, 2012: Dating scam

The following email was reported by a ProZ.com member through support:

Hello My Dearest one

Hello My Dearest onernMy name is Sandra Williams i saw your Email today, when i was browsing i then made up my mind to contact you
as my friend so i will also like you to reply back to me, i have some thing to discuss with you, i will also send you my picture,s
and for us to know each other very well, I believe that distance can never be a barrier but let's love connect us because love is a
bridge that connected far distance to be close to each other it will be my pleasure to hear from you soonestrnFrom Sandra,please
reply me with this email, [email protected]

This is a classic example of dating scam, where the scammer attempts to establish a relationship with the victim to ask for the transfer of money
once this was achieved.

The profile used for sending this message was deleted and the corresponding email address was blocked.

February 25, 2012: Advance payment scam / overpayment scam

A ProZ.com user wrote in a support request: "I received a false request from a scammer and fell for it (see copy of the scam email below). Please
notify all your members about this scam as many other translators might fall for it.

Greetings!
I'm Alan Cox from Atlanta,Georgia and i'll be leaving here in Atlanta for the United Kingdom on a business trip
tomorrow.However,i will need your service to translate some documents for me.I need to make a presentation to some groups of
german speaking people in Munich,Germany on 5th of March,2012.I will need you to help me translate the papers from English to
German,so each of my audience can have a copy in german language and they can follow through.I will also need that the work be
delivered by March 2,2012.Please,let me know your rate for a total of about 4626 words presentation and your methods of payment.I
look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best Regards,
Alan
[email protected]

This is a classic text found in advance payment scams, including the poor writting and the fact that the translation will be used to be given to
the assistants to a presentation.

February 24, 2012: Secret Shopper scam / Western Union scam

The "Secret Shopper" scam has been going strong for the past few months and continues to affect translators. Please help spread the word in the
interest of protecting other language professionals who may fall victim.

A ProZ.com user reported today via the Support service: "I was contacted by a Tom Baker, from a company called Secret Shopper, claiming to be a
Proz.com member, ... with a job involving the evaluation of Western Union Services in France. The transactions I carried out were by means of
travellers cheques which my bank now informs me are fakes, and of course it is impossible to contact this company. I have been defrauded of 4000 €."

Retrieved from "https://wiki.proz.com/wiki/index.php/Translator_scam_alert_reports"

Categories: Money matters | Risk management

Translator scam alert reports

From ProZ.com Wiki

Contents

Overview

2022

January 2022

January 19, 2022: Scammer under alias "Christian Fournier", pretending to represent French company "Ad Conseils Et Solutions" and targeting French translators

2021

December 2021

December 2, 2021: Advance payment scam using name "Linda Albrighton" and email address "[email protected]"

December 2, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent Technovate Translations

November 2021

November 21, 2021: Overpayment scam pretending to represent French company "A.L.D.O. INVESTISSEMENTS"

November 2, 2021: Impersonation of ProZ.com member Halvor Halvorsen

October 2021

October 28, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent MGM Linguistic Solutions

October 14, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent ARRIELI TRANSLATIONS

October 6, 2021: Trojan virus .zip file pretending to be a response to a ProZ.com job quote

September 2021

September 22, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent Adecco Switzerland / Listverse.com

September 19, 2021: Advance payment scam using name "Emerald Conde" email "[email protected]"

September 14, 2021: Advance payment scam using name "Joseph Maligat" email "[email protected]"

July 2021

July 26, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent Translated

July 11, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent AZUR CONSEILS ET SOLUTIONS

July 11, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent easytrans24.com

June 2021

June 28, 2021: Scammer posted a job offer with the title "21000 words"

June 27, 2021: Scammer posted a job offer with the title "A translator that can translate 15,000 words" for the pair English to French

June 22, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent CIT / CAL Interpreting & Translation

June 1, 2021: Advance payment scam using names "Sandra Dyer" and "Theresa Casagrand" and targeting German language translators

May 2021

May 23, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent Lengoo / Lengoo.de

May 18, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent Axiom Translate

May 3, 2021: Advance payment scam using name "Daniel Brzezinski" and pretending to represent wedding caterer "Daniel et Daniel"

May 3, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent Q-Trans / Qtrans Language Solutions Global

April 2021

April 21, 2021: Advance payment scam using name "Ludovic Baute" and targeting French language translators

April 21, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent 3D ENVIRONNEMENT

April 10, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent Languages for Business Centre

April 7, 2021: Advance payment scam using name "Ana Margarida" and pretending to represent the World Bank

March 2021

March 23, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent Lingo24 Translation Services Ltd.

March 18, 2021: Advance payment scam using name "Léonard FAUCONNIER"

March 1, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent the German pharmaceutic "STADA"

February 2021

February 21, 2021: Advance payment / overpayment scam: "Search for a lesson teacher that would help in taking son"

February 26, 2021: Scammer pretending to represent Tongue Tied Ltd.

January 2021

January 18, 2021: Impersonation of freelance translator Marika Tonon

2020

December 2020

December 11, 2020: Impersonation of freelance translator Christopher Meyer-Kretschmer

December 09, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam by "Staci Burton" [email protected]

December 06, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam by "Carver Robertson" [email protected]

December 01, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent Global Translators UK Ltd.

November 2020

November 29, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam by "Debbie Hobbs" [email protected]

November 25, 2020: Impersonation of freelance translator Alison Cowe

November 24, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent The Big Word - thebigword.com

November 16, 2020: Impersonation of ProZ.com member M. Marta Moreno Lobera

November 9, 2020: Apparent CV hijacking by Afnan Zamel using mame "TransHarvest.com"

November 9, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent Pactera

November 1, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam by "Heather Carlson" [email protected]

November 1, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam by "John Leonard" [email protected]

October 2020

October 20, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent "Atlas Language Services" [email protected]

October 8, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent "Mankent" [email protected]

October 6, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam by "Harold Anderson" [email protected]

August 2020

August 18, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent "Biogen Neuroscience"

August 18, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam by "Mariam Power" [email protected]

July 2020

July 19, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent "Custom Pharma Services"

July 19, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent "Alpha Trad"

July 15, 2020: CV hijacking by Floretta Joseph / bigtranswork.com

July 13, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent "Vertex Pharmaceuticals"

July 13, 2020: Advance payment/overpayment scam by "Ethel Rucker" [email protected]

July 13, 2020: CV hijacking by Emma Smith / bigtranswork.com

July 12, 2020: Scammer pretending to represent "IBC Solar" and "Kessinger Publishing"